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
MSDC Announces Advocacy "Curriculum" for DC Physicians
The year 2020 saw increased participation by physicians in advocacy, leading to a number of important advocacy victories. To build on this energy, MSDC is announcing today an advocacy "curriculum" for DC physicians to help engage the community in common advocacy efforts.
This "curriculum" is not a traditional educational series of courses, but practical resources to give physicians the tools and ability to speak out on issues important to the practice of medicine. By participating in events and initiatives throughout the year, DC physicians can equip themselves to be effective advocates for themselves and their patients.
The new advocacy curriculum will launch January 13 with an MSDC WHOW webinar with new Councilmember Christina Henderson. After the Councilmember's presentation and Q&A, MSDC leadership will hold a 30 minute open forum for MSDC members. Members can ask advocacy questions of the leadership, bring up issues they'd like MSDC to advocate for or against in 2021, and learn about upcoming opportunities to get involved.
The advocacy curriculum will include the following opportunities for physicians to sharpen their advocacy skills:
- Monthly advocacy-specific events as part of MSDC's Washington Healthcare on Wednesday (WHOW)
- Open Advocacy Committee meetings to allow MSDC members to hear issues being discussed and contribute opinions on specific issues under discussion by the committee
- Monthly "advocacy advice" posts on the MSDC website
- Videos of MSDC members testifying to show how you can testify before the Council (coming soon)
- A new webpage/resource page on best practices on testifying before Congress and the Council (coming soon)
- More targeted messages and emails on specific issues as they arise throughout the year
- And more
Anyone interested in becoming involved in MSDC's advocacy efforts and contributing can sign up on our website or contact Robert Hay Jr. You can also check MSDC's advocacy agenda for this Council period and past successes in the previous two years.
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