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 Board Advances Key Priorities at February 9 Meeting
The Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC) Board of Directors held its first meeting of 2026 on February 9, with members participating in person and virtually. The session began with an update from Drs. Chimene Liburd and Jacqueline Watson of the Department of Healthcare Finance, who outlined efforts to simplify physician administrative processes and promote lifestyle‑based health initiatives. Their briefing directly supported MSDC’s ongoing work to strengthen resources available to physicians practicing in the District.
Reports tied to MSDC’s strategic objectives made up much of the discussion. Under long‑term growth, Dr. Matthew Lecuyer updated the Board on registration and sponsorship activity for the 2026 Capital Healthcare Honors. In the advocacy and outreach arena, Dr. Klint Peebles noted that the Federal Policy Task Force will convene soon to support the Society’s federal advocacy efforts. Officer reports followed, including an update on recent advocacy work from Dr. Lecuyer and a financial presentation from Dr. Raymond Tu on behalf of the Treasurer. The Board unanimously approved the draft FY26 budget recommended by the Finance Committee.
The meeting concluded with updates from the Healthy Physician Foundation—whose next Board meeting is scheduled for March 10—and a report from the Executive Vice President on progress toward strategic plan goals. The Board adjourned at 7:45 PM after completing a full agenda that advanced priorities across operations, advocacy, and member support ahead of the next scheduled meeting on April 20.
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