Women's Health

Imershein

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!

 

 

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 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.