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.

 

What Medicaid Cuts Actually Cost

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

 

 

MSDC Board Approves New Strategic Plan, Diversity Statement, and Member Model

Jun 27, 2023, 07:57 AM by MSDC Staff
The MSDC Board made key strategic decisions to ensure the Society's sustainability for years to come.

On June 26, the MSDC Board of Directors approved three major changes to MSDC governance. More information and impacts on MSDC members will be shared in the near future.

  1. The Board approved a new strategic plan by a unanimous vote. MSDC last did strategic planning in 2017 and the new plan recognizes both the changes and continuing challenges the Society faces. You can see the new strategic plan here.
  2. As part of the strategic plan, the Board also approved a new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging statement. This is the first time MSDC has had such a statement. Created by a Board subcommittee and approved by the entire Board, the statement recognizes past mistakes but focuses on a more equitable future for DC medicine where all patients and physicians feel welcome.
  3. Finally, the Board approved a new tiered membership plan for DC area physicians. For the first time, DC area physicians can choose between two different tiers of membership, both with different benefits and prices. The Board also approved new rates for MSDC membership in 2024. You can read more about those changes here.

The next MSDC Board of Directors meeting is September 18, 2023 at 6:30 PM. Members in good standing may request an invitation to attend by emailing hay [at] msdc.org.