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
The Granite Anniversary of Doctors’ Day Symbolizes Physician Strength and Brilliance
Today is the 90th anniversary of National Doctors Day, an annual observance to thank doctors for the life-saving contributions they make to public health. Granite, the stone that commemorates a 90th anniversary, is fitting for doctors today and every day; they are both strong enough to bear significant weight and display brilliance when under pressure. The Medical Society is inspired by the strength and brilliance of District doctors today, as it has been every day since its founding in 1817.
Doctors' Day was first conceived by Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles Almond, as a day to honor and give thanks to physicians. It took place on March 30, 1933, coinciding with the anniversary of the first administration of anesthesia by US physician Dr. Crawford Long. For the past 90 years it has served as an annual reminder of the role that physicians play in our lives and society at large.
Doctors are at the forefront of many issues of national debate. Unfortunately, delivering life-saving care while navigating hot button issues, has taken a toll on physician wellbeing, making Doctors’ Day more important than ever. Physicians face increasing moral injury and administrative overload, and too many are leaving the workforce, putting additional pressure on those who remain. Regrettably, physicians die by suicide at twice the rate of the general population, according to the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation. A message of appreciation can have a strong positive impact on their wellbeing.
MSDC is inspired by District physicians, especially our physician leaders, who have persevered throughout the pandemic and many other healthcare crises. MSDC President Susanne Bathgate, MD, shared her reflections on this day of thanksgiving:
To my DC physician colleagues, thank you for all that you do today and throughout the year. I am humbled to work in the District of Columbia amongst a community of physicians who work so tirelessly and care so deeply about the health and wellbeing of the residents of our region. In recognition of this Doctors’ Day, please remember to take good care of yourself as well as your patients.
Here are several ways to recognize physicians on Doctors Day and throughout the year:
- Give a doctor a red carnation, the official symbol of Doctors’ Day.
- Thank a medical doctor. Not just your own, but any doctor you meet or know.
- Post a message of thanks on social media. Use the hashtag #NationalDoctorsDay
- Make the feeling of thanks last beyond today. Thank your doctor every time you visit.
- Remember that behind the strong, brilliant facade, doctors may be at risk. Visit www.healthyphysician.org for wellbeing support.
- Recognize your role in good health. Maintain regular health appointments and follow your doctor’s treatment plan.