Opioid Policies
Much like the rest of the United States, residents of the District of Columbia are struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) rate increases and high rates of opioid-related deaths. Unfortunately, these are multi-faceted issues that require year-long initiatives and systematic programs to address the myriad causes of addiction.
MSDC stands as a partner to the District government and private entities to help arrest the rates of opioid and substance abuse in the District. Through our advocacy for better prescribing practices, education on addiction, and even helping our own community through our Physician Health Program, MSDC is working to make DC a leader in reducing SUD, OUD, and addiction.
On a related note, MSDC is passionate about helping patients make prescriptions and medication more affordable. Whether expanding access to biosimilars or advocating for more affordable co-pays, MSDC wants to help our patients afford the medications they need.
MSDC Statement and Testimony on Opioid and Prescription Issues
25th Council information coming soon
Join the DC FMAP Sign-On Letter
Congress is considering reducing the DC FMAP from 70% to 50% (or lower). Some of the likely consequences include:
- Cuts to health care professional training programs, including residencies.
- Reduced reimbursement for all providers.
- Staff reductions at hospitals and health systems.
- Longer wait times at hospitals.
- Closures of healthcare facilities.
All physicians, regardless of practice type, will be impacted by this reduction. MSDC is circulating a physician sign-on letter that we are sending to physician members of Congress asking them to oppose these changes. Our hope is that your peers will understand how these changes could impact medicine locally, even their offices.
The text of the letter is below and on the sign-up form.
The deadline to sign the letter is May 3 by 12 PM ET. That will allow us to deliver the letter to the members' offices ASAP.
May 2, 2025
Dear fellow physician and Representative,
We, the undersigned physicians who practice and/or are licensed to practice in the District, express our strong opposition to any changes to the District of Columbia’s Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) as part of the reconciliation process. The reduction in Medicaid revenue for health care providers and health systems in the District would have a ripple effect throughout the entire health system, 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.
As a fellow physician, you know that major changes to patient coverage lead to unintended consequences for the entire health system. Changing the FMAP for the District will have regional impacts in care and endanger access to healthcare for everyone in the District, including visitors and workers who live elsewhere. Reducing the FMAP would equate to a 40% cut in funding directly impacting health care professionals and likely would mean reductions in the healthcare workforce, service cuts for all care, and a destabilization for training for healthcare providers of many different types. Everyone who utilizes healthcare in DC would be severely impacted by this change, regardless of if they are a DC resident.
We urge you as a colleague to consider the consequences of an FMAP change in the District and support excluding this change from reconciliation language.
Sincerely,
Sample of Legislation MSDC Tracked on Opioid and Prescription Policy
What does it do? The bill authorizes licensed pahrmacists to dispense interchangeable biological products and requires notifications to physicians when such interchangeables are dispensed.
MSDC position: MSDC has a position of priority support on this legislation, identifying its passage as one of its highest legislative priorities.
Current status: SUCCESS. The bill was passed by the Council and signed by the Mayor.
What does it do? The bill requires prescription opioid medications to include a statement that the drug is an opioid and opioids may cause dependence, addiction, or overdoes.
MSDC position: MSDC supports the legislation.
Current status: The bill had a hearing before the Committee on Health on July 29, 2020. MSDC leader Dr. Sam Kareff testified for the Medical Society. It passed the Council on November 10 and was signed by the Mayor December 7.
What does it do? The bill prohibits insurance companies from factoring the use of PreP in decisions related to disability, life, or long-term care policies.
MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation
Current status: The bill was introduced on January 8, 2019 and assigned to the Committee on Business and Economic Development.