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’s 2025 Capital Healthcare Honors Brings Community Together Around Excellence
On March 26, 2025, the Medical Society of DC held its 5th Capital Healthcare Honors awards gala and dinner recognizing outstanding contributions to the health of our nation’s capital. This year’s event, which was held at the National Press Club, recognized health system executives, private practice leaders, health tech entrepreneurs, and public health luminaries.
Over 150 members of the DC health care community attended, including elected officials, health system executives, specialty and medical society leaders, physicians, and health care professionals. MSDC President Dr. Dock Winston hosted the event and introduced the special guests. Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, the AMA President-Elect, tied together national health priorities and local DC initiatives and encouraged the District to adopt best practices in protecting physician wellbeing in credentialing and licensing.
The awardees were distinguished healthcare leaders who have striven to preserve the health and wellbeing of the nation’s capital, the Medical Society, and the profession.
Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt received the John Benjamin Nichols Award for outstanding contributions toward improving the health of the community. Dr. Nesbitt is a worthy recipient solely for her work as the Director of DC Health during the pandemic, but was also recognized for her past and continuing work as a health equity advocate and leader.
Dr. Lisa Boyle received the Certificate of Meritorious Service for her distinguished service to the medical profession. Dr. Boyle rallied the staff at Georgetown before and during the COVID-19 pandemic to a higher level of excellence, and as president of the hospital is setting the standard for community health.
Dr. Keith Egan received the Dr. Charles H. Epps, III Community Service Award for outstanding public service to the community. Dr. Egan is one of the physician leaders of Pride Medicine on Capitol Hill and has a long history of advocating for equitable care for patients in need.
Dr. Michael Weinstein received the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding service to the Medical Society. Dr. Weinstein is a visionary in sustainable private practice and for MSDC has been a long-time financial advisor, including serving as Treasurer and Finance Committee member.
Caretaker Medical is the inaugural Dr. Cesar A. Caceres Innovation in Health Care Technology Award, presented to a company that is using technology in a new way to improve patient care and physician health. Caretaker has created a remote monitoring device that provides real-time health data with minimal physical restraint to the patient, allowing patients to move while giving the care team a steady stream of information.
The honorees were nominated by MSDC membership and selected by a volunteer committee. More information can be found at www.msdc.org/chh. Attendees were encouraged by Dr. Winston to contribute to MSDC's campaign to create care packages for DC medical students; more about that campaign can be found here.