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
President Emanuel Asks for Physician Help with COVID Vaccine
We have heard that the primary source of trust for DC residents on the COVID vaccine is physicians. If your physician says the vaccine is safe and you should take it, residents tend to schedule their appointments.
Your voice matters in the COVID vaccine. I urge you to speak with your patients and encourage them to schedule a vaccine when they are eligible.
MSDC's vaccine website has a host of resources to help you feel comfortable speaking with your patients.
MSDC is also receiving requests for assistance - from both public and private entities - for medical professionals to assist with vaccinations.
MSDC is creating a list of physician volunteers to help with COVID vaccines. We are currently compiling options for all types of physicians (active, future, and retired) to assist, and there will be more opportunities in the coming weeks. For example, we know of one medical clinic that will need assistance in the near future with vaccinating people experiencing homelessness.
If you are interested in helping with distributing vaccines, either actually vaccinating or assisting in the process, please contact Robert Hay Jr. at hay@msdc.org or 202-466-1800 x101. We will share opportunities of interest as we are notified.
Thank you for your continued leadership during this pandemic. If MSDC can assist you, do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
E.W. Emanuel, MD
President, Medical Society of DC
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