Health Committee Marks-up Copay Accumulator Bill

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

Health Committee Marks-up Copay Accumulator Bill

Mar 20, 2023, 13:12 PM by MSDC Staff

One of MSDC's top legislative priorities got closer to Council passage on Monday.

The Committee on Health got out its red pen and marked-up the District's copay accumulator bill today.

This is a big step for the MSDC priority bill to passage.

The legislation (B25-141, seen here) requires insurers to apply discount coupons and cost-saving measures to patient copays. This helps patients save money for expensive medical treatments. Insurers in other states had disallowed these savings to count toward copays, which meant more out-of-pocket costs for patients.

Next up for the bill is being agendized by Council Chair Phil Mendelson in a future Council Legislative Meeting. If it is approved twice by the Council, it goes to the Mayor for her signature.

The bill had two major changes in the version that passed the committee. First, the bill does not apply when a generic or interchangeable biologic product is available at a lower cost unless there is a documented medical reason for the specific drug. Second, the bill clarifies its alignment with IRS regulations on high deductible health plans.

If you are interested in contacting the Council on this legislation, contact Robert Hay for more information.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.