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
DC Reinstitutes Mask Mandate and Declares Public Emergency
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser reinstituted the District's mask mandate due to an anticipated winter surge of COVID-19 positive cases.
The Mayor held a press conference today with officials from DC Health and other cabinet members. Speakers focused on the science behind the surge as well as the District's response to the surge in positive cases. Last week DC set a record twice for the most number of new positive COVID cases.
Dr. Anjali Talwalkar of DC Health explained the science behind the Omicron variant and noted that currently less than 1% of positive cases in the District have been confirmed as the Omicron variant, with Delta still serving as the dominant strain. However, she did note sequencing takes time so this could be an undercount. In a positive note for residents, hospitalizations still remain low, with only 4.5% of cases requiring hospitalization. While the rate of positive cases among vaccinated individuals has risen (12.23%), overwhelmingly unvaccinated individuals are the reported COVID-19 infections in DC.
The focus of the press conference was the District's expanded COVID-19 testing capabilities. DC is now launching Test Yourself DC sites in every ward, allowing DC residents to pick up a rapid antigen test at a local library to use and report the results on a District website. The Mayor noted DC recommends four testing options: go to a free DC PCR test site, take advantage of the Test Yourself PCR tests at 36 sites, take advantage of a free antigen test starting Wednesday, or make an appointment with a medical provider.
Mayor Bowser also reinstated the mask mandate for indoor settings from December 21 through January 31. She also announced all DC government employees are required to be vaccinated and receive a booster/third dose. DC is ending its test-out option for unvaccinated employees.
This story will be updated with any additional relevant information.
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