MSDC + 50 States + Specialty Orgs = Protect Patients Under Medicaid

Learn more about abortion law in DC and MSDC's position.

MSDC has long advocated for women's health protections, the rights of women physicians, and affordable care for women's issues. MSDC works closes with ACOG, AAFP, AAP, and other specialty organizations to craft local legislation that allows DC to be the best place to practice women's and maternal medicine.

In the face of a maternal mortality crisis in the District, engagement in these issues is more important than ever. Learn more about how MSDC is working to protect the health of women, mothers, and babies in all wards in the city.

MSDC Statements and Testimony on Women's Health Issues

25th Council information coming soon!

MSDC + 50 States + Specialty Orgs = Protect Patients Under Medicaid

Feb 1, 2020, 15:22 PM by MSDC Staff

MSDC joined all 50 state medical societies and 12 specialty societies in opposing a CMS rule that would alter Medicaid funding.

On February 1, the Medical Society of DC joined every state medical association and twelve national specialty associations on a letter to CMS opposing the recent Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation.

The letter expresses concern that the proposed rule would "significantly reduce the federal commitment to the Medicaid program, physicians, and our patients without appropriate data and a thorough impact analysis."

As proposed, the regulation would lessen state's abilities to determine reimbursement for providers under Medicaid as well as reduce flexibility on financing. According to Modern Healthcare, the impetus behind the rule was the Trump Administration's concerns about states "gaming" the Medicaid financing system.

The state society letter points out that the rule would hamstring state Medicaid programs in numerous ways. For example, the rule does not define clear standards on how future state Medicaid financing will be considered plus does not give adequate time for states to properly plan for alternative funding.

MSDC remains concerned about the backwards step taken by the Trump Administration on this issue. For more information, contact Robert Hay Jr. at 202-466-1800 x101 or hay@msdc.org.

SMS CMS Letter 2020

Sample of Legislation MSDC Followed in Women's Health and Maternal Health

(See the whole list of bills here)

Postpartum Coverage Act of 2019 (B23-326)

What does the bill do? Extends postpartum inpatient and outpatient benefits to at least one year after childbirth

MSDC position: We support this legislation and the extension of insurance benefits to mothers and babies to help maternal health in the District

Current status: SUCCESS. The bill passed the Council and was signed into law by the Mayor on August 14, 2020.

Strengthening Reproductive Health Protections Act (B23-434)

What does the bill do? The bill prohibits the District government from interfering with patients' reproductive health decisions and prohibits employers from punishing physicians who perform abortions or sterilizations outside of their employment.

MSDC position: We support this legislation as it allows physicians freedom of practice.

Current status: SUCCESS. The bill passed the Committee on Government Operations in January. MSDC submitted testimony at the December hearing, and MSDC member Sara Imershein testified at the hearing. The Council passed the bill and the Mayor signed it into law on March 23, 2020.

Maternal Health Care Improvement and Expansion Act (B23-362)

What does the bill do? The bill extends coverage for maternal health issues and fertility preservation, creates a Maternal Health Center in the District, and mandates two hours of cultural competence CME for health care providers.

MSDC position: We oppose the bill without changes due to inclusion of mandatory CME and some of the definitions in the bill being medically questionable.

Current status: The bill had a hearing in the Committee on Health in December, with MSDC member Dr. Sara Imershein testifying for MSDC and ACOG.