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
Two Ob/GYNs Selected as Capital Healthcare Honorees
Once again, MSDC is bringing together physicians of all specialties, healthcare leaders and District government officials to celebrate the healthcare community at the Capital Healthcare Honors on Friday evening, May 5, 2023, at the National Press Club. Registration for the uplifting annual DC physician awards celebration is now open at www.msdc.org/CHH.
Among this year’s honorees, two share the specialty of Obstetrics/Gynecology and a dedication to service, but they are unique in their service to the community and the Medical Society.
- Dr. Constance Bohon will be receiving the Dr. Charles H. Epps, III Community Service Award, given in recognition of outstanding public service to the community, for her work on women’s health and maternal health.
- Dr. John Larsen will be recognized posthumously with the Distinguished Service Award, given in recognition of service to the Medical Society, for his mentorship of physician leaders and service to the Medical Society.
Get to know these physicians better below. Don’t forget to register before the early bird deadline!
Constance Bohon, MD, FACOG
Dr. Charles H. Epps, III Community Service Award (in recognition of outstanding public service to the community)
Dr. Constance Bohon is a local and national health leader who has served her community with vigor and compassion. MSDC President Susanne Bathgate, MD, called her “a powerful, steadfast advocate for women and infants, especially in underserved communities.” She is an Ob/Gyn who has not only served numerous patients in the District for more than 25 years, but she has also continuously called for awareness and action on public health issues in service to the community.
Most notably, she marshaled her clinical expertise and advocacy leadership to raise awareness of and demand action on DC’s maternal mortality crisis, leading the District to establish a dedicated work group to evaluate maternal mortality in the District. Dr. Bathgate said, “Her unrelenting concern for health justice and her advocacy expertise were instrumental to the formation of the District’s maternal mortality review committee.”
She has long been advocating for patients in the District and serves as Co-chair of the Legislative and Liability Committee of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In addition to her leadership on maternal mortality, she has worked to ensure maternity care coverage and protect reproductive health. Her public service to the community has bettered the lives of many Washingtonians.
John W. Larsen, MD, FACOG, FACMG
John Larsen, MD (posthumous) – Distinguished Service Award (in recognition of service to the Medical Society)
Dr. John W. Larsen, who served as president of the Medical Society in 2014-2015 and on the MSDC Board of Directors, had “long-lasting affection for the Medical Society and its central role for the DC physician community and physician voice,” according to MSDC President Susanne Bathgate, MD. He was passionate about delivering quality, team-based care for the diverse patients of the District of Columbia.
MSDC President Susanne Bathgate, MD, said that “Dr. John Larsen had a legacy of mentorship and service to the physicians of Washington, D.C. As a mentor to many, myself included, he imparted his love for the profession and his abundant humor and good nature.” He embraced the concept of servant leadership that “you succeed if you help others to succeed.” Dr. Larsen mentored and trained many District physicians, especially Ob/Gyns, through his decades-long tenure at The George Washington University, where he achieved the status of Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
He deeply respected the profession of medicine, which he saw as a calling and a community. During his MSDC Board tenure, he encouraged physicians to take advantage of patient advocacy and leadership opportunities in the Medical Society. At GW Hospital, he is credited with helping to expand access to comprehensive, evidence-based obstetric care. Dr. Larsen is remembered for his spirit of service, community, curiosity, leadership, and good humor.
This award is being given posthumously.
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