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
Health Professional Loan Repayment Program Applications Close April 30
What is the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program?
The District’s Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) provides loan repayment to eligible health professionals practicing full-time at HPLRP-certified sites in health professional shortage and medically underserved areas (HPSAs and MUAs) in DC. The HPLRP assists certified sites to recruit and retain providers by providing loan repayment up to $151,841.29 over four years for physicians and dentists and $83,510.61 for all other eligible providers.
Eligible Providers
Licensed and Certified:
Physicians (MD, DO)
Dentists (DDS)
Other licensed and credentialed medical professionals including:
Dental hygienists
Registered nurses
Advanced practice nurses
Physician assistants
Licensed and credentialed mental health providers including:
Clinical social workers
Clinical psychologists
Professional counselors
Providers must be already employed or have a signed employment contract with an HPLRP-certified site at the time of application.
Both participants and sites must complete applications to participate in the HPLRP. Applications for sites are accepted on a rolling basis. Sites must recertify for the Program every two years. Provider applications are accepted during two application cycles: one in the early fall and one in the early spring. The application review process takes approximately 60 days, and awards are made based on program requirements and availability of funds.
Please see the DC Health Professional Loan Repayment Program Guidelines for more information on provider and site eligibility.
Original Legislation [PDF]
Amended Legislation [PDF]
Certified Site Listing [PDF]
DC Health Professional Loan Repayment Program Guidelines [PDF]
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