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!
Prior Auth Reforms for Medicare Advantage, Work to Be Done With Private Insurers
On April 5, CMS released a final rule on Medicare Parts C and D that, among other changes, reformed the program's prior authorization process.
This is a great win for physicians and practices who see Medicare patients, but does not impact the private insurance market. That is where B25-124 comes in, and what MSDC is working on before a May 24 hearing.
The final rule seems to incorporate provisions supported by the American Medical Association and MSDC, including:
- Only using prior auths to confirm diagnoses to ensure medical necessity of services.
- Establishing a Utilization Management Committee to review clinical coverage criteria
- Allowing prior auth approvals to be valid throughout duration of treatment
These changes plus announcements by some insurers to voluntarily reduce prior auth requests seem to suggest progress in prior auth reform. Physicians, however, must put in place permanent changes now for all patients to ensure this progress.
The Committee on Health is having a hearing on comprehensive reform legislation on May 24. Visit msdc.org/priorauth to learn how you can make a difference for your patients.
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.