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
Help the Foundation Create Med Student Care Packages
Medical school is known for its challenges—long hours, demanding coursework, and high levels of stress. It's no secret that the pressure can leave students feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and burnt out. Many members of MSDC, now practicing MDs and DOs, have experienced these very struggles as former medical students themselves. They understand firsthand the immense strain medical school can place on an individual.
The Healthy Physician Foundation wants to give back and show appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and resilience that medical students put into their education every day by organizing the Medical Student Appreciation Event—a special initiative designed to support students and ease the stress they face.
The Healthy Physician Foundation is collecting donations to purchase an assortment of care items: snacks, coffee, tea, energy drinks, gift cards, and other wellness items. These items will be delivered to medical students in the District, allowing MSDC and HPF to offer a tangible way to show our support for the future physicians who will one day care for our communities.
Although all donations are welcome, we have provided a few giving levels below:
- $25 makes it possible for five students to get study snacks for a day
- $50 makes it possible to caffeinate ten students for a day
- $100 makes it possible for twenty students to unwind after an exam with some self care
How you can participate:
Donate at our campaign link here or email Lily Da Pont to pledge a check payment.
Use our campaign flier to share with colleagues and encourage them to donate
Donations will be accepted during the month of March, ending with National Doctors Day on March 30. HPF staff will purchase the items for the care packages and deliver them to the students.
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