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
Call for Advocacy Volunteers: Join Our New Task Forces!
Are you passionate about healthcare policy and governance? Do you want to make a meaningful impact in the DC medical community? The MSDC Board is excited to announce the formation of two new task forces, and we are seeking dedicated volunteers to join us in this important work.
Task Force 1: Federal Policy Task Force
The first task force will focus on analyzing actions taken by the President and Congress that affect healthcare and the District government. This group will be responsible for:
- Monitoring and evaluating relevant legislation and executive actions.
- Assessing the potential impact of these actions on our organization and the communities we serve.
- Developing strategic recommendations for how MSDC should respond to these developments, and make recommendations to the MSDC Board.
We are looking for individuals with a strong understanding of healthcare policy, legislative processes, or advocacy. Your insights will help us navigate the complex landscape of federal actions and ensure that our organization remains proactive and responsive.
Task Force 2: Policy Review Task Force
The second task force will undertake a comprehensive review of our Board-approved policies. This group will be tasked with:
- Evaluating existing policies to determine their effectiveness and relevance.
- Identifying policies that may need to be updated or changed in light of new information or changing circumstances.
- Proposing new policies that align with our mission and enhance our operations.
We invite volunteers with experience in nonprofit governance, policy analysis, or organizational development to lend their expertise. Your contributions will be vital in ensuring that our policies reflect best practices and support our mission effectively.
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in joining either of these task forces, please reach out to us at hay@msdc.org. In your message, let us know which task force you would like to join and a brief overview of your relevant experience or interest.
Volunteering for these task forces is a fantastic opportunity to engage with critical issues in healthcare and contribute to the strategic direction of our nonprofit. Together, we can make a difference!
Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve. We look forward to hearing from you!