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
DC healthcare community comes together to celebrate service, leadership and public health
Last Friday, May 5, MSDC celebrated the second Capital Healthcare Honors at the National Press Club. MSDC President Dr. Susanne Bathgate and past president Dr. Raymond Tu co-hosted the well-attended event honoring DC’s healthcare community and featuring local and national luminaries.
Among the physician leaders present was Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld, president-elect of the American Medical Association (AMA). Dr. Ehrenfeld called attention to MSDC’s prior authorization reform campaign and urged the community to remove the barriers that prior authorization places on practices, patients, and health.
Dr. Peter Lavine, a three-time MSDC president, received the Certificate of Meritorious Service for service to the profession. He has been a vocal healthcare reform advocate throughout his career and active in organized medicine, serving as the current chair of MSDC’s AMA Delegation. Dr. Ehrenfeld also commended Dr. Lavine for his service to the profession and the AMA.
The late Dr. John Larsen received the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of service to the Medical Society. MSDC President Dr. Susanne Bathgate, a mentee of Dr. Larsen, co-presented the award with DC Health Chief of Staff Dr. Jacqueline Watson, who recognized Dr. Larsen’s service on the DC Board of Medicine. Dr. Larsen’s widow, Joan Larsen, accepted the award on his behalf and shared the poem, The Bridge Builder, by Will Allen Dromgoole.
Dr. James Taylor received the John Benjamin Nichols Award, presented by UnitedHealthcare, for his outstanding contributions to the health of the community. Dr. Taylor is the director of the Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease, and he has dedicated his career to this damaging disease which disproportionately impacts African Americans. Daniel Wilson, director of marketing and outreach for UnitedHealthcare, commended Dr. Taylor for his work.
Dr. Constance Bohon received the Dr. Charles H. Epps, III Community Service Award in recognition of her outstanding public service to the community. A vigorous supporter of women’s health, she helped to organize a committee to review maternal mortality in the District and has long fought for maternal health coverage.
At the event, MSDC also highlighted its new pooled employer program and work by its gender equity task force. MSDC thanks the following event supporters for their support: Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, UnitedHealthcare, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Prestige Healthcare Resources, MedStar Family Choice – District of Columbia, Bridgepoint, Amerigroup, AmeriHealth Caritas – District of Columbia, and Janssen.
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