Health Equity

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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.

 

CareFirst Announces COVID-19 Coverage Changes

Mar 18, 2020, 09:15 AM by MSDC Staff
CareFirst announces coverage changes for COVID-19
Yesterday, CareFirst announced coverage and reimbursement changes related to COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment.

The changes come on the same day as the federal government opening up telemedicine practices to allow patients to connect more easily with physicians over video or audio for consultations.

The highlights of the CareFirst changes include:
  • Coverage of COVID-19 testing and treatment with no cost-sharing.
  • Eliminating prior auth requirements for COVID-19 related tests
  • Waiving early medication refill limits on 30-day maintenance medications
  • Waiving cost-sharing for in-network and out-of-network visits to a provider's office, lab fees, or treatments related to COVID-19
  • Expansion of telemedicine primarily through CareFirst's proprietary product. For telemedicine using CareFirst Video Visits, cost sharing will be waived during the public health emergency. Other telemedicine services may subject patients to copays, coinsurance, or deductibles.
Read more here. MSDC is working with the District Insurance Commissioner, DC Health, and the Council to ensure payers equitably work with physicians and patients to remove all barriers to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19.
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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.