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
MSDC Board and DC Health Director Meet
On December 4, new DC Health Director Dr. Ayanna Bennett shared her vision for DC Health with the MSDC Board of Directors.
The December Board meeting continued a tradition of MSDC regularly meeting with the DC Health Director to discuss important issues and areas of collaboration. This meeting took place mere months after the Director was named by Mayor Bowser to the vacancy. Although the Director attended the MSDC annual meeting, this was an opportunity for an in-depth conversation between the leaders.
Dr. Bennett outlined her priorities, especially in the areas of health equity and social determinants. In addition, she answered questions on B25-545, partnership on physician wellness, and private practice sustainability.
The Board meeting agenda also included:
- Hearing updates from the Public Health and Gender Equity Task Forces
- Passing a new policy prohibiting the recording of committee and Board meetings.
- Electing Dr. Kirsty Nevin as the new Secretary
The next Board meeting is February 26 at MSDC headquarters. Members in good standing may request to attend by emailing Robert Hay.