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
FDA Finds Janssen COVID Vaccine Safe for Use
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a positive review Wednesday of a single shot COVID vaccine from Janssen/John & Johnson.
You can read the FDA report here.
The report notes the vaccine is 85% effective at preventing severe illness related to COVID-19 and 66% effective in protecting from moderate cases. The protection from severe illness was similar across all known variants of COVID-19. The report also notes it is 100% effective in clinical trials in preventing hospitalization and death.
The 100% effectiveness against hospitalization and death is of particular note since the review found the vaccine was less effective for adults older than 60 with risk factors. Additional challenges include the protection from moderate cases slipped to 57% in South Africa, where the pandemic is driven by a new variant of the disease.
The J&J vaccine is highly anticipated due to its easy storage (refrigerator temperatures), long shelf life (months), and one-dose application. The FDA Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting will take place Friday, the next step to potential Emergency Use Authorization for the vaccine. If authorized, J&J have said they can have 2 million doses available immediately.
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