DISB Guidance Offers Relief to Insurance Policyholders

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

DISB Guidance Offers Relief to Insurance Policyholders

Apr 27, 2020, 17:07 PM by MSDC Staff

On Monday, DISB issued an emergency order to provide support to District insurance policyholders during the public health emergency.

On Monday, the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) issued an emergency order to provide support to District insurance policyholders during the public health emergency.

The order, seen here, protects residents in the following ways:

Insurance companies are prohibited from cancelling coverage for non-payment and must offer policyholders a repayment period of unpaid premiums for at least 12 months.
Insurance companies must make "reasonable accommodations" for policyholders. Such accommodations include waiving late payment fees, extending billing due dates, informing policyholders of accommodations, and creating an electronic payment option (among other accommodations).
Property and casualty insurance policyholders may self-audit and self-report changes in case of adjustments in premiums.
Insurance companies shall provide a waiver or suspension of "commercial" or "livery" use exclusions for personal automobile coverage, to protect food and medicine delivery.
DISB will offer expedited reviews of form and rate fillings to insurance companies upon request if they offer accommodation or relief to policyholders.

The changes will remain in effect during the public health emergency.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.