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
MSDC Board Discusses Engagement in an Era of BA.2
At its April Board meeting, the MSDC Board focused on public health and Society health at its second meeting of the year.
MSDC Chair J. Desiree Pineda, MD, invited MSDC members who joined since January 1 to attend the meeting, which was held both at MSDC headquarters and online. The members who were able to attend shared why they joined and participated in the discussions during the meeting.
The agenda began with a presentation from DC Health Community Health Administration (CHA). Participants learned about current COVID infection and vaccination rates in DC, and how CHA is planning to increase the rate of boosters in the District, especially in the 65 years and old demographic. The Board discussed how the physician community can assist with these efforts.
E.W. Emanuel, MD, presented an update on the Membership Committee's work to create a new membership model. He shared that the committee had gathered demographic and behavioral data on members, but there are still major gaps the Society is aiming to resolve. The Board discussed how members become engaged with the Society and how MSDC can use these avenues to increase membership and participation. The committee will be coming forward with more recommendations at the June Board meeting.
In addition to these items, the Board discussed:
- The upcoming AMA 2022 Annual House of Delegates meeting
- MSDC's advocacy agenda, especially prior authorization reform
- The Healthy Physician Foundation
- and more
The next Board meeting is June 27, 2022. Members in good standing can request an invitation by contacting Robert Hay Jr.