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

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session 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 Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.