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
2024 MSDC Capital Healthcare Honors
The 2024 Capital Healthcare Honors will take place on Wednesday, March 13, from 6:00 to 9:30 PM in Dupont Circle. Save the date for this festive awards gala which brings together government leaders and healthcare executives, physicians from all specialties across the region, healthcare providers, and many others from the community.
We are pleased to announce the first of our 2024 Capital Healthcare Honorees, with additional honorees to be announced next week. Mark your calendar and watch your email for the additional honorees and registration opening. Given our distinguished, high-profile awardees, this event is expected to sell out.
Meet the 2024 John Benjamin Nichols Award Recipients
This year, MSDC will present two John Benjamin Nichols Awards, which is given to people or organizations for outstanding contributions toward improving the health of the community. Meet the honorees below.
Honorable Vincent Gray
The Honorable Vincent Gray is a long-time leader in District healthcare. During his distinguished career, Chair Gray introduced major healthcare reforms such as universal pre-Kindergarten and birth-to-three support. He is the first former Mayor, first former Council Chair, and second Councilmember to receive this honor.
Bread for the City and Produce Rx
By partnering on the Produce Rx program, Bread for the City and DC Greens are being recognized for their partnership to expand access to healthy foods in the District, especially “east of the river.” The Produce Rx program is a major DC initiative to prescribe fruits and vegetables to patients, and Bread for the City connects patients, providers, and grocery stores.
2024 Capital Healthcare Honors Details
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
6:00 - 9:30 PM
2121 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20008