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 Accelerated Payments for Providers

Apr 11, 2020, 08:30 AM by MSDC Staff
CareFirst has created an advanced payment request form for certain physician practices to help them remain viable during COVID-19.

On Friday, CareFirst BlueCross Blue Shield announced it would be providing $170 million in accelerated and advanced payments to certain providers to alleviate the financial strain of COVID-19.

The program will be available to CareFirst providers participating in the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) program as well as certain specialty independent practices. The funds available will include:

  • Advanced lump-sum payments, increased fee schedules and monthly cash advances for qualifying PCMH panels;
  • Monthly cash advances for pediatricians and rural primary care physicians who need additional assistance, independent practices in certain specialty areas (including OBGYNs and behavioral health providers); and
  • Cash advances to hospitals demonstrating need in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia.

The application process for advanced payments opened on CareFirst's website on April 13. All providers interested are asked to complete an Accelerated Payment Request form by April 24 to be considered for disbursement.

With federal and local funds at the moment on hold, this is a potentially useful fund for physician practices to consider to continue operating. This also mirrors the advanced payment program CMS initiated for Medicare providers.

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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.