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.
.png?sfvrsn=9ac2d21b_0 "What Medicaid Cuts Actually Cost")
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 Issues Physician Protection Statement During COVID-19
The below is a letter MSDC President J. Desiree Pineda, MD, FACP, sent to all MSDC members.
Dear Colleagues,
MSDC has been working hard on numerous ways to help you through this COVID-19 epidemic. However, we have been hearing locally and nationally the struggles of physicians needing protection of health and protection of speech. We feel compelled to speak on behalf of physicians in need who may not be able to speak for themselves.
This morning, your Board endorsed the MSDC Statement on Protecting District Physicians During COVID-19. I encourage you to read the entire statement and share with your colleagues to show how MSDC supports your fundamental rights during this time. Below is a summary of the four points in the statement:
- Physicians must be supplied adequate PPE - this responsibility falls on employers and government entities as supply permits.
- Physicians must be allowed to bring homemade PPE into work if shortages necessitate it.
- Physicians must not be penalized for speaking publicly on COVID-19, even statements that reflect current situations in their workplace.
- Physicians must be permitted to speak publicly on public health issues without fear of retribution.
MSDC Statement on Protecting District Physicians During COVID-19
This is more than just a document, this is a guidepost on which MSDC will continue to base its outreach and advocacy. I ask you to share this far and wide, so your colleagues know MSDC is here to advocate for you and your basic needs. If you want advice or guidance on how to share this message, attend our social media advocacy webinar this Saturday or contact MSDC EVP Robert Hay.
I thank the Council for Medical Specialty Societies for their April 2 statement, on which our language is based.
Sincerely,
J. Desiree Pineda, MD, FACP
President, MSDC
Leave a comment