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 Applauds MedStar Washington Hospital Center for Multiple Care Recognition
The Medical Society of DC congratulates MedStar Washington Hospital Center on once again achieving national ranking for Cardiology & Heart Surgery in the 2022-2023 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings. It is the only nationally recognized heart program of its kind in the Washington metropolitan area. MedStar Washington also received the highest rating possible in aortic valve surgery, heart attack, heart bypass surgery, heart failure, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
“MedStar Washington Hospital Center is a District institution that has some of the world’s best medical professionals,” said MSDC President and MedStar Georgetown physician Dr. Kirstiaan Nevin. “While it is no surprise ‘Hospital Center’ continues to win recognition for its heart health care, we are proud it is receiving national attention for the care it provides to DC patients as well as patients from around the country.
“In the face of the numerous challenges facing all of us in health care, this progressive recognition of excellence remains a notable tribute to the remarkable teamwork and dedication of our physicians and associates who put our patient’s care and well-being first and foremost every day,” said Stuart F. Seides, MD, physician executive director of the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute and 2001 MSDC President. “We continually strive to merit the trust of those patients, their families, their physicians, and the entire Washington regional community whom we are privileged to serve.
U.S. News also cited MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s Cancer, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, and Urology programs as “high-performing,” indicating a high score, although not achieving national rank. Seven other common procedures and conditions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colon cancer surgery, diabetes, kidney failure, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, and stroke, received the highest ratings, too, in recognition of care that were significantly better than the national average, as measured by factors such as patient outcomes.