Health Equity
Medicaid Enrollment Touches 39% of the Residents of The District of Columbia; DC’s 70/30 FMAP is Vital for the Maintenance of Health & Human Services
A reduction in the District’s FMAP would not lead to long-term government savings and would have a ripple effect throughout the entire health system in the DMV, crippling access to care for not only Medicaid beneficiaries but also all those who live, work, and visit the District of Columbia, including members of Congress and their staffs.
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Why does DC receive an Enhanced FMAP Rate?
The DC FMAP rate of 70% established by the Revitalization Act resulted from bipartisan analysis, discussion, and negotiation by Congressional leadership aiming to balance fairness with the District’s restricted ability to generate revenue. Congress recognized that the District of Columbia faces unique financial challenges due to its non-state status and the significant amount of federally-owned land within its boundaries. The District is unable to tax non-residents’ earnings, so these workers pay no taxes to support the infrastructure and services, such as roads, public safety and emergency services that they benefit from in the District. The District is also unable to tax up to 40% of the real property within its borders due to statutory restrictions.
Why are we concerned about DC's FMAP now?
Members of Congress have proposed reducing the DC FMAP to the statutory minimum for all other states, which is currently 50% (but could be reduced even more). Such a change would impact every physician and every practice, regardless of type, location, and payers contracted. Even practices who take no insurance will not be able to send patients for specialist care, hospital admissions, or other types of care.
What can MSDC members do?
- If you know a member of Congress or staffer, reach out to them and share how DC cuts will hurt your patients.
- Share your relationships and outreach with hay@msdc.org so we can help coordinate advocacy efforts.
- Email hay@msdc.org if you would like to be paired with a physician member of Congress office and trained by MSDC staff on how to reach out.
Resources
- DC FMAP cut fact sheet
- California Medical Association fact sheet on Medicaid cuts
- MSDC and healthcare association letter to Congress arguing against DC FMAP changes.
- MSDC original story on Medicaid changes.
News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues
What Should a DC Physician Do If They Suspect a COVID-19 Case?
- DC Health sends out health alerts to the email you used during the license renewal/application process. Health alerts will go to that address; if you need help determining that address or how to change it you can contact our office to assist.
- If your patient shows symptoms consistent with the COVID-19 outbreak, you must initiate the testing process by contacting DC Health. If you do not contact the DC Health hotline, you cannot initiate the correct and appropriate testing process. You can call 202-576-1117 during business hours OR 844-493-2652 after business hours to speak with an expert.
- Take a moment now to read DC Health's guidance so you know what steps to take if a person with symptoms presents to your practice. While the person on the DC Health hotline can walk you through the process outlined, it will save time and energy if you review the materials now. It also includes what forms may need to be completed for testing - read through those links as well to ensure you can swiftly complete them.
You can also keep up-to-date on all the COVID-19 news you need to know at our Coronavirus Information page.
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