Health Equity
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.
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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
COVID-19 Task Force Calls for Protecting Most Vulnerable District Residents
In its third meeting, the MSDC COVID-19 Task Force agreed that various vulnerable populations in the District need further support, and MSDC should be a leader in that area.
The task force's goal is to discuss the larger medical and societal issues around the public health epidemic, and to make recommendations to the District government, MSDC Board, and federal government.
During Thursday's meeting, the conversation focused on public information and advocacy. In particular, the task force discussed health equity issues. It made the following recommendations, among others, to the MSDC leadership:
- The District should ensure every Ward and vulnerable population center have easy access to a testing site
- MSDC should seek volunteers to assist with compassionate release programs in local prisons
- The District should put healthcare workers, including asymptomatic ones, into the highest testing priority category
- The District should encourage undocumented residents to be tested and treated for COVID-19 without fear of consequences
The task force will meet again on May 21. Anyone wishing to participate or submit issues for discussion can contact Robert Hay at hay [at]msdc.org.
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