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 Meets with DHCF Chief Medical Officer
As part of the Society's continued collaboration with the District government, the Board of Directors invited Dr. Chimene Liburd, the new Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF), to present at our June Directors' meeting.
Dr. Liburd spoke with the Board about DHCF's management structure, her goals for working with healthcare stakeholders, and department goals that will impact the healthcare community. The Board and Dr. Liburd had a robust discussion on shared priorities as well as pain points for the physician community with Medicaid. The conversation continues a great working relationship between DHCF and MSDC.
In addition to this presentation, the Board on Monday:
- Approved a new "fast track to leadership" plan to help medical students and residents prepare for future leadership opportunities in organized medicine.
- Accepted the final report of the Public Health Task Force and thanked it for its work.
- Approved the date (November 1) and location (coming soon) for the 2024 annual meeting of members.
- Agreed to contract with the Rhode Island Medical Society to staff the Physician Health Program.
The next Board of Directors meeting is September 16 at MSDC's offices.