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 Transitioning Toward Walk-Up Vaccination Sites
The days of navigating vaccinate.dc.gov to pre-register for an appointment may be approaching an end.
Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the District would open eleven (11) high-capacity, walk-up vaccination sites. These sites across the District (but primarily in Wards 5, 7, and 8) would be for first-dose shots only, with the ability to schedule the second dose upon your visit. These sites will operate in tandem with the existing pharmacy, clinic, and healthcare provider scheduling sites already operating. Residents aged 16 and 17 will need to register for a vaccine at childrensnational.org.
In addition, DC is transitioning away from vaccinate.dc.gov to handle appointments and instead directing people to vaccinefinder.org. The shift occurs Wednesday and means District residents no longer need to pre-fill information with the District's vaccine site to be eligible for District doses.
Finally, the District is encouraging residents to join community canvasses for vaccines on Saturday, May 1. The District is organizing groups of people to safely through the DC COVID-19 Community Corps for a Day of Action. Those interested can learn more here.
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