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
CDC: Get Your Vaccine, Hug Your Grandkids
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week released new guidance on how vaccinated individuals can interact socially in a safe way.
The biggest takeaway in the media is that a vaccinated person is safe to visit a household of people and unmask if that household is one unit (i.e., no multiple families) and the family members are at low risk of COVID complications. The common example used is grandparents who are vaccinated and past the immunity window (2 weeks post final shot) are able to visit their grandchildren without wearing masks.
The CDC also noted that two sets of households where everyone is fully vaccinated may interact inside without wearing masks. The implication is that the immunity from the vaccines is strong enough that vaccinated people interacting not in public are safe to resume "normal" interactions. Also, a fully vaccinated person does not have to quarantine if they come into contact with a COVID-positive person unless the vaccinated person shows symptoms of COVID-19.
The CDC stressed that being fully vaccinated does not mean people may go without masks and social distancing while in public. In fact, the CDC still recommends the following:
- Avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated spaces
- Not gathering with unvaccinated people from multiple households
- Delaying travel and if you do need to travel, following CDC requirements and guidelines
- Monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms
- Following workplace guidance
CDC interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
Background rationale and evidence for public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people
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