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
Big Picture Thinkers Needed for New Public Health Task Force
Do you spend your spare minutes concerned about the next set of public health issues? Do you worry DC will not be ready for the next pandemic, epidemic, or ignored health crisis? Do you want to speak with key health leaders and help craft a plan to prepare DC medicine for what's coming next? MSDC has a new opportunity for you.
At its September meeting, the MSDC Board of Directors created a new Public Health Task Force. Over the next nine months, this group will think through and share the major public health issues that will shape society in the coming years.
We are seeking a few physician volunteers who can dedicate about 2-3 hours a month on this important effort. More information is below.
What is the PHTF?
The Public Health Task Force (PHTF) was created by the MSDC Board of Directors to look into the future and identify healthcare trends and issues that the Society can begin to address now. Its work includes:
- Interviewing key DC health policy leaders and health influentials.
- Overseeing any public health grants or projects MSDC receives in 2023-2024.
- Analyzing and recommending action based on what it hears in interactions with officials.
What is the time commitment?
The task force will meet no more than once a month, if that, and its work will conclude by June 2024. The first meeting would be in November or December 2023. Task Force members may also participate in interviews and conversations with stakeholders if their schedule permits. Meetings will be done via Microsoft Teams. Projects and tasks will be monitored using project management software like Asana.
Who is on the task force?
The task force will be composed of 7-10 MSDC voting members, with an emphasis on those in primary care, as well as a representative from the District government and non-MSDC member policy experts. MSDC Treasurer Dr. Tu is the Chair.
How do I learn more or agree to join the task force?
Email Robert Hay at hay@msdc.org. We are aiming to have this task force operational by the MSDC annual meeting on October 27.
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