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 Health, MSDC Seeking Vaccine Speakers
MSDC and DC Health are seeking physician volunteers to help DC residents feel comfortable with receiving routine vaccinations like RSV and COVID-19.
In 2021, MSDC partnered with DC Health to create a physician speakers' bureau. These volunteers spoke at community events, ANC meetings, and school gatherings to explain that COVID vaccines were safe and everyone able should be vaccinated. This program helped connect physicians with close to 20 community events.
DC Health is modifying the program to connect health professionals with community events to share the benefits of RSV, flu, COVID, and other vaccines. Community groups contact DC Health asking for a physician speaker, and DC Health would contact MSDC seeking a physician with a background and experience that matches well with the group.
Details:
- Events may be in-person or virtual, depending on the setting.
- Most events will provide 4 or more weeks of notice to allow time to fit into your schedule.
- Requests will come from MSDC and MSDC will help with details, including working with DC Health.
- There is no obligation to speak if opportunities do not fit your schedule.
- There is no monetary compensation, but volunteers will be recognized at the Capital Healthcare Honors plus you will have the joy of helping people know vaccines are safe and important.
To volunteer, please contact hay@msdc.org to learn more or share your name.