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
Dr. Ashesh Patel Statement on the Passing of Former MSDC President Dr. Eliot Sorel
Washington, D.C. — October 16, 2024 — MSDC President Dr. Ashesh Patel released the following statement on the death of longtime MSDC member and past president Dr. Eliot Sorel.
“Dr. Sorel was a legend in the medical community. He never hesitated to offer advice and support to MSDC leaders and staff building on his years of experience in organized medicine. Dr. Sorel was always concerned about the future of medicine, and throughout his life supported medical students, residents, and fellows with programs and mentorship that proved invaluable in their careers. In addition, he always had a wider view of medicine and its place on the world’s stage, allowing MSDC to host internationally recognized events, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Medical Society of DC Board of Directors and staff extend to Dr. Sorel’s family and friends our heartfelt condolences on his loss. We also extend our condolences to our Washington Psychiatric Society colleagues, to whom he was a very dear friend and leader. At the 2024 annual meeting, we will hold a special moment of silence for Dr. Sorel and all those physicians who have passed away this year. We encourage all members to read his obituary and donate as appropriate to the causes his family identified.”
Dr. Sorel’s obituary can be found here.
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