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 2022 Leadership Slate
Elections for the Board of Director positions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC) are now underway. MSDC’s elections provide members the ability to designate a slate of physician leaders to set the Society's strategic direction, provide leadership on organizational goals and policies, and advance MSDC’s stated vision of making our nation’s capital the best place to practice medicine. The results will be announced during MSDC’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Gala, taking place in-person and via livestream on October 29, 2021, at the AIA Courtyard near the White House.
MSDC President Dr. E.W. Emanuel stated that this year’s leadership slate, "has incredible depth and diversity. Their experience and leadership will serve the DC physician community well as we look towards the future.”
The nominees for the 2021 elections are:
President-elect – Susanne Bathgate, MD
AMA Delegate – Kirstiaan Nevin, MD
AMA Alternate Delegate - Neal Barnard, MD
At-large – Anthony Ibe, MD
At-large – Ashesh Patel, MD
At-large – Desiree Pineda, MD
At-large – Theresa Stone, MD
At-large – Dock Winston, MD
The ballot was selected by the MSDC Nominating Committee, which is composed of the MSDC President, President-Elect, and four non-Board members. In accordance with MSDC Bylaws, the ballot was distributed electronically to MSDC voting members on August 30, 2021. Voting members of the Medical Society have until midnight on October 8, 2021, to submit their ballots.
MSDC President Dr. Emanuel discourages members from waiting. He said, “I urge our voting members to support their fellow physicians and cast their ballot sooner than later.” Voting members who have questions regarding their ballot or have not received a ballot should contact Pia Duryea at duryea@msdc.org or 202-355-9414 for assistance.
For information on how to attend the installation of the new leadership on October 29, visit bit.ly/MSDC2021. In addition to the leadership installation, MSDC’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Gala will feature two networking receptions that are open to friends and guests of the MSDC membership. There will also be a VIP wine tasting, spirits tasting, and ghost tour supporting MSDC’s charitable endeavors.
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