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
Council Passes New Hospital Bill, Biosimilars, Other MSDC Priorities
Yesterday was a great day for the practice of medicine in the District as the Council passed multiple bills that will continue to make the District the best place to practice medicine.
The headliner was the Council's second vote to pass legislation approving a contract to build a new hospital on the campus of St. Elizabeth's. The new hospital, run by UHS, will replace United Medical Center and contains language mandating the building of related medical facilities in Wards 7 and 8. MSDC has been supportive of building a new hospital in Ward 7 and 8, and looks forward to working with the District and UHS to coordinate between practices and physicians who want to join the new hospital.
The Council also passed by unanimous consent B23-430, the Access to Biosimilars Amendment Act of 2020. The legislation authorizes licensed pharmacists to dispense interchangeable biological products, and requires notifications to physicians when such interchangeable biological products are dispensed. The legislation was one of MSDC's top legislative priorities and we coordinated with the American College of Rheumatology to pass the legislation.
In addition, Chairman Gray complimented the Medical Society of DC and AAO-HNS for their work to improve B23-565, the Hearing Aid Sales Amendment Act of 2020. The bill streamlined the process for hearing impaired individuals to acquire a hearing aid but ensured they could receive appropriate medical clearance before doing so. MSDC was proud to work with AAO-HNS, DC Health, and the Committee on Health to ensure the legislation was medically correct.
Other healthcare bills that passed the Council yesterday include:
- Window Blind and Drape Cord Safety Notification Act of 2020
(Bill 23-322) - MSDC asked for and received acceptable changes - Postpartum Coverage Expansion Amendment Act of 2020
(Bill 23-326) - MSDC supported - Pregnancy as a Qualifying Event Act of 2020
(Bill 23-584) - MSDC supported
Finally, the Council took its first vote on legislation to permit the building of a new hospital on the Howard University campus. The debate indicated that further changes to the contract could be discussed. MSDC supports Howard's ability to build a new hospital.
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