Opioid Policies

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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

 

The New Healthy DC Plan is Covering Enrolees Effective 1/1/26

Jan 21, 2026, 08:40 by The DC Health Benefits Exchange
Ask your patients if their insurance has changed then check it - thousands of DC residents have changed their insurance and do not realize the consequences.

 

Nearly 16,000 DC residents were automatically moved from DC Medicaid into a new program called Healthy DC Plan on January 1, 2026 when Medicaid eligibility changed December 31, 2025.  See below for critical information and please share this information with your facility and medical office staff who work checking patients in for appointments or confirming insurance 

DC residents losing Medicaid were automatically enrolled into a Healthy DC Plan.

DC residents with AmeriHealth Caritas and Medstar Family Choice Medicaid MCOs were automatically transitioned into a Healthy DC Plan with the same insurance company. DC residents with Wellpoint Medicaid MCO were automatically enrolled into the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Healthy DC Plan.

  • All Healthy DC Plans mailed each enrollee a new member ID card. Even Healthy DC Plan enrollees with AmeriHealth Caritas or Medstar Family Choice have a new card with a new Healthy DC Plan ID number.  
  • A Medicaid ID number CANNOT be used to confirm Healthy DC Plan enrollment.  
  • The Medicaid portal CANNOT be used to confirm Healthy DC Plan enrollment.  

Where can I confirm enrollment for Healthy DC Plan? 

You can access the provider portals for the three insurance companies offering Healthy DC Plan below. If you do not have a patient’s new Healthy DC Plan ID number, you will need to call the insurance company’s provider customer service.

AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia Healthy DC Plan

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Healthy DC Plan

MedStar Family Choice Healthy DC Plan

For more information about Healthy DC Plan, see www.HealthyDCPlan.com

         
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Sample of Legislation MSDC Tracked on Opioid and Prescription Policy

 

Access to Biosimilars Amendment Act (B23-430)

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.

Opioid Labeling Amendment Act (B23-535)

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.

Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Insurance Discrimination Amendment Act (B23-36)

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.