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.

 

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 President Testifies at Committee on Health Budget Hearing

Jun 10, 2020, 21:24 PM by MSDC Staff
MSDC President Dr. Pineda told the Council what steps needed to be taken to ensure a robust physician network across the District.

 

On Wednesday, MSDC President Dr. Desiree Pineda testified on behalf of DC physicians on the need for a robust physician network throughout DC.

The Committee on Health hearing was done virtually less than a week after the Committee heard from Administration witnesses. The public hearing, which featured 20 panels of witnesses, allowed numerous organizations and residents to share their thoughts on the budget.

Dr. Pineda began by emphasizing the desire for MSDC to work with the organizations testifying to build a robust health network in the District. She then highlighted two areas of support for the Mayor's budget: funding for primary and specialty care providers, and funds to build the new hospital on the St. Elizabeth's campus.

She then pivoted into the majority of her testimony, which focused on how MSDC, the government, and private partners can build a robust physician network, especially in underserved areas. Her testimony included the following recommendations:

  • Ensure the budget increases Medicaid provider payments on par with private payer payments or at least on par with Medicare payments
  • Ensure hospital contracts with the District carve out spaces for affiliated independent physician practices
  • Ensure that current practicing physicians in Wards 7 and 8, especially those practicing at UMC, have priority to buy or rent in the new hospital office building.
  • Continue to fund HPLRP and other funding mechanisms to help new physician practices in underserved area
  • Reform medical liability laws to offer some protection to physicians acting in good faith
  • Create funding mechanisms and incentives to encourage physicians to rent or buy property in underserved areas, the same way Prince George’s County is doing to recruit DC physicians across the border. Physicians already practicing in Wards 7 and 8 and UMC should have priority to these funds and incentives.
You can read the whole testimony here.
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