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.
.png?sfvrsn=9ac2d21b_0 "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 Commended for Lung Health Work by DC Council
On the same day that MSDC-supported prior authorization reform passed, the DC Council also passed a resolution recognizing Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
The resolution contained truly terrible stats about the rates and health impact of smoking on lung health, but also commended the Medical Society for its work in lung health and smoking cessation over the years. The entire resolution is posted below.
Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau
Councilmember Brooke Pinto
Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr.
Councilmember Charles Allen
Councilmember Christina Henderson
Councilmember Janeese Lewis George
Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie
Councilmember Anita Bonds
Councilmember Matthew Frumin
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
To recognize and declare November 2023 to be Lung Cancer Awareness Month in the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, lung and bronchus cancer were the second deadliest cancers in the District in 2023;
WHEREAS, the survival rate of District residents with lung cancer is 28 percent;
WHEREAS, the District's early-stage detection rate for lung cancer cases ranks 40th among U.S. states;
WHEREAS, only 3 percent of District residents considered at high risk for lung cancer have been screened for lung cancer;
WHEREAS, the rate of new lung cancer cases in the District is 59 per 100,000 among Black residents, 37 per 100,000 among Asian American and Pacific Islander residents, 25 per 100,000 among white residents, and 15 per 100,000 among Latino residents;
WHEREAS, 25 percent of Black District residents with lung cancer did not receive any treatment;
WHEREAS, 9.5 percent of District residents smoked tobacco in 2021, with even higher rates among those aged 55 to 64;
WHEREAS, the District’s Healthy People 2030 plan aims to reduce smoking rates to 6.1 percent by 2030; and
WHEREAS, according to the American Cancer Society, 80 percent of lung cancer deaths are believed to be caused by smoking.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Lung Cancer Awareness Month Recognition Resolution of 2023”.
Sec. 2. The Council recognizes November 2023 as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in the District of Columbia and salutes the work of Raymond Tu, M.D., and the Medical Society of the District of Columbia for bringing greater awareness of lifesaving steps to prevent and treat lung cancer.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
Leave a comment