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 Board Discussed Empowering Patients at June Meeting
The MSDC Board launched its summer meeting with a special presentation on Monday. The meeting was held virtually and on-location at the MSDC headquarters on Pennsylvania Ave NW.
The meeting began with a special presentation by Dr. Melissa Clarke entitled, "Empowering Patients, Improving Outcomes". Dr. Clarke is a noted speaker and author on cultural competency with patients and within medicine. Her presentation focused on how providers can listen better to patients and approach medical conversations with a better understanding on their patients' experiences. The Board members shared reflections on their interactions with patients and how cultural competency shaped those talks.
- 2022 annual meeting of members as October 28, 2022 at the American Institute of Architects.
- Asked the Membership Committee to report on a potential tiered membership at the June 2023 meeting.
- Deferred a discussion on bylaws changes until September 2022.
- Approved two new members of the Nominating Committee
The next MSDC Board meeting is September 19 at 6:30 PM at a location to be determined. Members in good standing can request an invitation to the meeting by contacting Robert Hay Jr.