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 Outlines Telemedicine and Licensures Changes Needed Post-Public Health Emergency
On Wednesday, MSDC President J. Desiree Pineda, MD, FACP, sent a letter via email to DC Health Director LaQuandra Nesbitt, MD, outlining the areas MSDC recommends be made permanent once the local public health emergency order expires.
The letter (seen here) begins by praising the Director for her leadership during the public health crisis and for making decisions based on sound science. It then emphasizes that even if the public health emergency statute expires, a public health emergency exists especially with rising rates of infection throughout the U.S.
MSDC emphasized three policies that should be made permanent, either by DOH or with the support of DOH:
- Continue to support/allow video telemedicine treatment regardless of point of care and support equitable pay for in-person and telemedicine appointments
- Permit telemedicine appointments across state lines if the provider is located outside of the District
- Support reimbursement for audio-only telemedicine and changing the 2013 law that currently prohibits its use.
Leave a comment