Women's Health
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!
DC Announces Three Proposed Managed Care Organizations for DC Medicaid
Yesterday, the DC Department of Health Care Finance announced its intention to award the Medicaid managed care contract to AmeriHealth Caritas DC, MedStar Family Choice, and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan (formerly Trusted Health Plan).
The announcement is the culmination of a long process to select new programs for the upcoming year. This year's selection process was different in that the Department is in the process of transitioning nearly 20,000 fee-for-service beneficiaries to the managed care plan. This means the three MCOs needed to include planning for this transition in their bids as well.
“The selection of these three plans marks a major milestone in the District’s efforts to reform the Medicaid program. Through these new contracts, DHCF will implement universal contracting, expand value-based purchasing, and implement universal contracting to ensure a greater focus on access and accountability,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services and Department of Health Care Finance Director Wayne Turnage in a press release. “We look forward to our partnership with the plans as we expand and strengthen the managed care program for the Medicaid, Alliance, and Immigrant Children’s programs.”
The contracts now move to the Council for their approval.
Read more about the three awardees and the process here. You can also read more about the District's Medicaid reforms here.
Sample of Legislation MSDC Followed in Women's Health and Maternal Health
(See the whole list of bills here)
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.
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.
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.
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