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
MSDC Board Votes to Take the Lead on COVID Vaccine Information
On Monday, MSDC's Board of Directors voted for the Society to be a proactive source of information and advocacy on the COVID vaccine.
The meeting was the Board's final scheduled meeting of the year. The December meeting traditionally is the opportunity for the Board to elect its officers, approve advocacy priorities for the coming year, and reflect on lessons learned from the past year to prepare for the next one.
After the tumultuous 2020, the Board certainly had no lack of information to reflect upon. The primary discussion focused on the COVID vaccine and its distribution in the District. Immediate Past President J. Desiree Pineda, MD, serves on the DC Health Vaccine Scientific Advisory Committee. She gave a presentation on DC Health's plans for vaccine distribution and outreach. After a robust discussion on the Society's best role during the vaccine process, the Board voted to approve the following strategies:
- MSDC will continue to advocate that physicians and trainees be vaccinated during Phase 1
- MSDC will participate in education campaigns to the public on the importance of being vaccinated against COVID-19
- MSDC will promote educational information about the vaccine to the healthcare community.
In addition to the vaccine discussion, the Board also approved joining the Capital Trails Coalition and promoting the DC COVID Heroes Advocacy Agenda for the 24th Council Period, among other actions.
Finally, the Board voted and approved the following individuals to one-year term Board positions:
- Chair of the Board: Susanne Bathgate, MD
- Secretary: Laurie Duncan, MBBS
- Treasurer: Raymond Tu, MD
- At-Large Executive Committee member: Yavar Moghimi, MD
MSDC's next Board meeting is February 22, 2021.
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