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
MSDC Joins AMA, House of Medicine in Advocating for Physician Financial Support
The economic, moral, and physical toll the COVID-19 outbreak is taking on the physician community is undeniable, but also not well known by some lawmakers. During the debate on the stimulus bill passed by the Senate last evening, MSDC joined the American Medical Association, the other 50 state medical societies, and numerous specialty societies in advocating for support for physician practices.
The letter, seen here, outlined four areas of need for physicians during this crisis:
- Requiring all insurers, including ERISA plans, to provide coverage and payment for audio-only telehealth visits with patients at the same level as in-person visits.
- Providing financial support to physician practices involved in diagnosing and treating COVID-19 patients
- Providing financial support to physician practices experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19
- Ensuring every physician and healthcare worker has access to PPE
To help local physicians, MSDC is helping with the following resources:
- A website dedicated to professional and personal resources for physicians dealing with the COVID-19 crisis (here)
- A webinar on Friday, March 27 at noon with local attorneys and CPAs to provide current regulatory information for physician practices facing challenges
- Advocacy to the Council and District government to protect physician practices during this challenging time
For more information please contact our office with ways we can assist your practice during these challenging times.
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