Copay Accumulator Bill Passes DC Council

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.

Copay Accumulator Bill Passes DC Council

May 2, 2023, 15:37 PM by MSDC Staff

The bill is one of the physician community's top priorities.

On Tuesday, the DC Council voted unanimously to pass B25-141, the Copay Accumulator Amendment Act.

This legislation is one of the physician community's top priorities and a great victory for MSDC members.

B25-141 as introduced would require health insurers to apply discounts, financial assistance, payments, product vouchers, or other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses made by or on behalf of a member when calculating the member’s coinsurance, copayment, cost-sharing responsibility, deductible, or out-of-pocket maximum for a covered benefit.

The legislation passed the Committee on Health on March 20 and had its first Council reading in April. Last year the bill had a hearing before the committee and included multiple physicians and patent advocates speaking in favor of the legislation.

The next step for the bill is for the Mayor to sign the bill before it is enrolled and sent to Congress for a review period.

Passing this legislation in May means two major victories for physicians: passing the Copay Accumulator Amendment Act and the hearing on prior authorization legislation. MSDC members interested in learning more are invited to join the MSDC Advocacy Committee.

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.