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 email to members on the COVID vaccine requirements and CME
We know that doctors have been receiving a flurry of emails regarding DC's COVID-related mandates. To help you sift through the mandates and juggle your busy schedules, MSDC has prepared a summary overview with information about the scope of the requirements, who they impact and how to comply.
OVERVIEW
In summary, the two upcoming requirements are:
1) COVID Vaccination Requirement
"All licensees in the District of Columbia are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 [and] report their vaccine status via [DC Health's] online tool". They must obtain at least a first dose by September 30 (with certain exemptions).
2) COVID CME Requirement
Doctors of Medicine and Osteopathy (and other licensees) "must complete two (2) hours of continuing education on COVID-19 vaccines, including, but not limited to, COVID-19 vaccine safety, best practices for counseling patients about COVID-19 vaccines, and COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and effectiveness, on or before September 30, 2021."
Unlike the vaccination requirement, there is not a September reporting deadline for this mandate.
Where resources are available?
MSDC is arranging a variety of complimentary CE featuring local physician experts and national leaders from the AMA. Details are coming soon so watch this space! DC Health also has several free options.
What is MSDC doing?
MSDC vigorously opposes content-specific mandates and made a strong statement against the CE mandate. We are continuously updating our website with information you need to know and posting updates to social media.
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