New Research: Americans Fear Cost of Care

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.

New Research: Americans Fear Cost of Care

Feb 19, 2020, 13:40 PM by MSDC Staff

The Physicians Foundation annual patient survey found that Americans are worried about health care costs and issues, but trust their physicians.

The long-anticipated research from the Physicians Foundation finds that a large number of Americans are not only concerned about their ability to pay for hypothetical medical bills, but anticipate being unable to pay any bills over a seemingly small amount.

The 2019 Survey of America's Patients surveyed over 2,000 Americans between September 3 and 13, 2019. The survey population was a diverse cross-section of age, gender, and geography that reflected U.S. Census data.

The survey found interesting information on how patients feel about the affordability of health care:

73% of Americans are concerned about their ability to pay for medical care
50% feel they are one sickness away from serious financial trouble
42% of Americans would be unable to afford a a medical bill over $500 without financial issues
72% of Americans say waiting for insurance pre-approvals negatively impacts their care.
35% of Americans know someone who has abused or is addicted to opioids

The takeaways from the survey are that health care is a financial worry for most Americans, they want private insurance reform, and they trust their physician in their care.

The Physicians Foundation is a non-profit seeking to advance the work of practicing physicians and help them facilitate the delivery of high-quality health care to patients. The Foundation pursues its mission through a variety of activities including grant-making, research, white papers, and policy studies.

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.