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
DC Opens Up COVID Vaccine Sites and Eligibility
On Monday, the Mayor announced new milestones to get more COVID vaccine shots into arms, as well as loosened some pandemic social restrictions.
The announcements come as the vaccination rate for DC residents slowly climbs and the number of cases plateau. As of April 5, 23% of District residents had received at least one dose of a vaccine. That number is 8% of Ward 8 residents, however.
The Mayor announced that in two weeks, the District will begin scheduling vaccine appointments for all residents over the age of 16. Currently, the District is in Phase 1B, with expansion to Phase 1C to begin next week. In addition, Arena Stage will begin offering vaccinations as a "high capacity" site beginning this weekend. DC Health and MedStar Health will operate the facility.
Arena Stage joins the Convention Center, Entertainment and Sports Arena, and Providence as the District-based high capacity centers. This week saw a new high-capacity vaccination center open in Greenbelt, Maryland, that permitted DC residents to register for vaccinations. Arena Stage is expected to offer one-shot Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccines, while a new Safeway partnership will boost the number of Pfizer vaccines at the Convention Center.
As a reminder, any District resident over the age of 16 may pre-register for a vaccine appointment now at coronavirus.dc.gov. The District is urging residents to do so to allow appointment scheduling to go smoothly when eligibility expands in the coming weeks.
At her Monday press conference, the Mayor also announced anticipated relaxations of pandemic restrictions next month. Some of the new allowances anticipated include:
- Business meetings and conventions will be allowed at indoor and outdoor venues at 25% capacity
- Graduation ceremonies will be allowed both indoors and outdoors with more guidance to follow
- Recreation centers and fitness facilities will operate at 50% capacity
- Libraries and museums can operate at 50% capacity
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