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
The Medical Society of DC Launches "Your Care is At Our Core" Advocacy Campaign
Washington, DC; August 20, 2025 – The Medical Society of DC is proud to launch the Your Care is At Our Core Campaign in partnership with the American Medical Association (AMA) to strengthen the bond between patients and their physicians, the foundation of health care.
Over the past few years, physicians have faced growing challenges ignited by battles over the COVID-19 pandemic, science and evidence-based care, and the prevalence of mis- and disinformation. These factors have distracted from what matters most – the connection between America’s physicians and their patients.
“Physicians are called to medicine to heal, to serve, and to advocate for their patients,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD. “Yet increasingly, the bureaucratic red tape of health care is taking physicians away from their patients. Ensuring physicians have the time to give both personal and physical attention to those that they treat is essential for building a stronger health care system – one that supports our current and future physicians, empowers our patients, and bolsters the health of our communities.”
The data speak for themselves – 89% of patients agree that the doctor-patient relationship is central to health care, and 79% of patients agree that red tape bureaucracy makes it harder for physicians to provide the best care to patients.
Unfortunately, decisions made by third parties like insurance companies, pharmacy benefit managers, hospitals, and others in health care are dramatically limiting the time physicians can spend with their patients – and the treatments physicians can provide to heal and bring comfort to their patients. Health care can be an especially vulnerable space for patients, and establishing a meaningful patient-physician relationship is necessary to build trust and provide the most effective care and treatment.
“The physician-patient relationship is not a cliché, it is the driving force in medicine,” said MSDC President Dr. Dock Winston. “Doctors’ best moments are when we spend time with our patients, facing health challenges and supporting them on their journey back to good health. Fighting health insurers and the government to ensure our patients can access the care they need stands in the way of this good medicine."
Physicians are fighting alongside their patients for less bureaucracy and more time. We will continue to amplify these efforts through the Your Care is At Our Core campaign.
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About MSDC
With more than 3,000 members, the Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC) is the largest medical organization representing physicians in the District of Columbia. The Medical Society was founded in 1817, and it is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of physicians and their patients in metropolitan Washington. MSDC is continually seeking to guarantee access to appropriate medical care for all District residents, regardless of location or income.
About the American Medical Association
The American Medical Association is the physician’s powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises, and driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.