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

Medicaid Enrollment Touches 39% of the Residents of The District of Columbia; DC’s 70/30 FMAP is Vital for the Maintenance of Health & Human Services

A reduction in the District’s FMAP would not lead to long-term government savings and would have a ripple effect throughout the entire health system in the DMV, crippling access to care for not only Medicaid beneficiaries but also all those who live, work, and visit the District of Columbia, including members of Congress and their staffs.

Why does DC receive an Enhanced FMAP Rate?

The DC FMAP rate of 70% established by the Revitalization Act resulted from bipartisan analysis, discussion, and negotiation by Congressional leadership aiming to balance fairness with the District’s restricted ability to generate revenue. Congress recognized that the District of Columbia faces unique financial challenges due to its non-state status and the significant amount of federally-owned land within its boundaries. The District is unable to tax non-residents’ earnings, so these workers pay no taxes to support the infrastructure and services, such as roads, public safety and emergency services that they benefit from in the District. The District is also unable to tax up to 40% of the real property within its borders due to statutory restrictions.

Why are we concerned about DC's FMAP now?

Members of Congress have proposed reducing the DC FMAP to the statutory minimum for all other states, which is currently 50% (but could be reduced even more). Such a change would impact every physician and every practice, regardless of type, location, and payers contracted. Even practices who take no insurance will not be able to send patients for specialist care, hospital admissions, or other types of care.

What can MSDC members do?

If you know a member of Congress or staffer, reach out to them and share how DC cuts will hurt your patients.
Share your relationships and outreach with hay@msdc.org so we can help coordinate advocacy efforts.
Email hay@msdc.org if you would like to be paired with a physician member of Congress office and trained by MSDC staff on how to reach out.

Resources

DC FMAP cut fact sheet
California Medical Association fact sheet on Medicaid cuts
MSDC and healthcare association letter to Congress arguing against DC FMAP changes.
MSDC original story on Medicaid changes.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

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