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 2026 Capital Healthcare Honors Celebrates the "Capital of Care"
On the evening of Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the Medical Society of the District of Columbia gathered more than one hundred physicians, hospital leaders, DC government officials, and healthcare professionals at the historic National Press Club for the 2026 Capital Healthcare Honors. Under the theme "Capital of Care: Where Innovation Meets Impact", the evening brought together the District's medical community to recognize outstanding contributions to medicine, public health, and the patients of Washington, DC.
The event opened with a lively networking reception, where guests enjoyed cocktails and conversation before moving into the dinner and awards program. MSDC President Dr. Matthew Lecuyer welcomed attendees and introduced distinguished guests before presiding over an evening that honored six individuals and organizations whose work reflects the very best of DC healthcare.
Certificate of Meritorious Service — Dr. Allen H. Roberts II
MSDC's highest honor, the Certificate of Meritorious Service, was presented to Dr. Allen H. Roberts II of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. A Navy veteran who served as a White House Physician under President George H.W. Bush, Dr. Roberts has spent more than two decades practicing Critical Care Medicine at Georgetown while also serving as a professor of clinical medicine and Chair of the hospital's Ethics Committee. His distinguished career — spanning military service, bedside medicine, and bioethics scholarship — exemplifies the award's tradition of recognizing those who have given exceptional service to the medical profession as a whole.
Distinguished Service Award — Dr. Charles P. Samenow
The Distinguished Service Award, presented for outstanding service to MSDC itself, went to Dr. Charles P. Samenow, a board-certified psychiatrist. Dr. Samenow has served as Chair of MSDC's Physician Health Committee, where he has worked tirelessly to support physicians facing mental health, substance use, and professional conduct challenges — an often quiet but critically important dimension of organized medicine's mission.
Dr. Charles H. Epps III Community Service Award — Dr. Patience H. White
The community service honor bearing the name of one of DC medicine's great luminaries was awarded to Dr. Patience H. White, co-director of Got Transition and Professor Emeritus at George Washington University. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Dr. White has championed the health care transition for young patients moving from pediatric to adult care systems, developed nationally recognized frameworks now used across the country, and served as a tireless voice for children and young adults with chronic conditions. She currently serves as Governor of the American College of Physicians DC Chapter.
John Benjamin Nichols Award — DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority
The John Benjamin Nichols Award, recognizing outstanding contributions toward improving the health of the community, was presented to the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority (HBX) and its Executive Director, Mila Kofman. Since launching DC Health Link in 2013, HBX has helped cut the District's uninsured rate in half, served approximately 100,000 residents and businesses, and pioneered coverage models — including the newly launched Healthy DC Plan — that have become national models for other states. The recognition honors HBX's sustained commitment to making quality, affordable healthcare accessible to all DC residents.
President's Award — Feseha Woldu, PhD
Dr. Lecuyer presented the President's Award to Feseha Woldu, PhD, Vice President for Population Programs and Community Affairs at MedStar Health. Dr. Woldu's work in population health management has driven meaningful improvements in health outcomes for vulnerable and underserved communities across the DC region, leveraging data, community engagement, and targeted interventions to address health disparities at scale.
Dr. Cesar A. Caceres Innovation in Healthcare Technology Award — Mary's Center
The Dr. Cesar A. Caceres Innovation in Healthcare Technology Award went to Mary's Center, the District's well-known Federally Qualified Health Center and multi-service nonprofit. Mary's Center was honored for its initiative to deploy wearable remote monitoring technology for pregnant individuals facing barriers to in-person care — including transportation challenges, safety concerns, and housing instability. The program, which extends monitoring through the postpartum period, reflects both the spirit of Dr. Caceres's legacy and the urgent need for innovative solutions to maternal health disparities in DC.
MSDC extends its deepest congratulations to all six honorees and its heartfelt thanks to the sponsors whose generosity made the 2026 Capital Healthcare Honors possible. The evening was a powerful reminder of the talent, dedication, and compassion that define Washington, DC's medical community.
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