Council Advances Protections for Sunscreen, Physicians Practicing Reproductive Medicine

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

Council Advances Protections for Sunscreen, Physicians Practicing Reproductive Medicine

Feb 4, 2020, 15:33 PM by MSDC staff

MSDC welcomed positive developments at the Wilson Building, as the Council passed legislation permitting sunscreen application in schools plus advanced a bill to protect reproductive health practitioners.

On February 4, the District Council took major steps towards passage of two bills supported by MSDC. By unanimous consent, the passed B23-467, The Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act of 2019. The bill contained language allowing students at DCPS to bring and administer sunscreen at school without a prescription. MSDC has supported this language for years as an obvious public health benefit to children.

In addition, the Strengthening Reproductive Health Protections Amendment Act of 2020 received a first reading at the Council on Tuesday. The bill would, among others things, permit physicians to practice reproductive medicine outside of employment without fear of discrimination from their employer as well as uphold the importance of the physician/patient relationship in reproductive medicine. At a rally prior to the bill's vote, MSDC member Sara Imershein as well as AMSA President Isaiah Cochran, MD, spoke in praise of the legislation.