DC Announces Three Proposed Managed Care Organizations for DC Medicaid

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.

DC Announces Three Proposed Managed Care Organizations for DC Medicaid

Jul 17, 2020, 07:17 AM by MSDC Staff

DC selects AmeriHealth Caritas, MedStar, and CareFirst as its three MCOs for the Medicaid program.

Yesterday, the DC Department of Health Care Finance announced its intention to award the Medicaid managed care contract to AmeriHealth Caritas DC, MedStar Family Choice, and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan (formerly Trusted Health Plan).

The announcement is the culmination of a long process to select new programs for the upcoming year. This year's selection process was different in that the Department is in the process of transitioning nearly 20,000 fee-for-service beneficiaries to the managed care plan. This means the three MCOs needed to include planning for this transition in their bids as well.

“The selection of these three plans marks a major milestone in the District’s efforts to reform the Medicaid program. Through these new contracts, DHCF will implement universal contracting, expand value-based purchasing, and implement universal contracting to ensure a greater focus on access and accountability,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services and Department of Health Care Finance Director Wayne Turnage in a press release. “We look forward to our partnership with the plans as we expand and strengthen the managed care program for the Medicaid, Alliance, and Immigrant Children’s programs.”

The contracts now move to the Council for their approval.

Read more about the three awardees and the process here. You can also read more about the District's Medicaid reforms here.

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.