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 Concludes Another Successful Council Session
With the conclusion of the 24th DC Council session, MSDC has created a legislative scorecard showing the success of its advocacy agenda these past two years. Similar to the past Council sessions, MSDC saw progress on a wide number of issues.
You can read our scorecard here.
MSDC establishes its advocacy priorities through its Advocacy Committee and Board of Directors. Learn more about how MSDC determines whether a bill receives a "support" or "priority support" ranking here.
The scorecard does not include other advocacy victories outside of legislation that MSDC saw this year. Other areas of success include:
- Being appointed to the Mayor's Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce
- Working with DC Health to establish a temporary medical license process
- Pushing DC Health to negotiate with Maryland and Virginia on regional reciprocity
- Testifying on issues like certificate of need changes and marijuana testing in pregnant patients.
- Testifying at numerous oversight and budget hearings to discuss issues like physician health, support for independent practices, and increased funding from DC government agencies.
The 2023-2024 Council period will be even busier than before, so make your voice heard! Use this link to let us know the issues of interest to you and how you want to get involved.