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 Announces 2023 Capital Healthcare Honorees
2023 Capital Healthcare Honorees Are Leaders in Women’s Health, Health Equity, Healthcare Reform, and Mentorship
Washington, D.C., February 9, 2023 – The Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC), the largest medical organization in the District representing metropolitan Washington physicians, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Capital Healthcare Honors, presented by MSDC. The awards ceremony and dinner will take place on Friday evening, May 5, 2023, where news happen, at the National Press Club, located at 529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20045.
The Capital Healthcare Honors is a gala event where healthcare and honor meet, and this year’s recipients are deserving of honor. The recipients are renowned for the work to improve public health in the areas of women’s health, health equity, and mentorship, and fight for healthcare reform. The event will bring together healthcare leaders and professionals from across metropolitan Washington to recognize the healthcare heroes and dignitaries who have strived to preserve the health and wellbeing of the nation’s capital, the Medical Society, and the profession.
MSDC President Dr. Susanne Bathgate said, “This year’s Capital Healthcare Honorees have a legacy of service, leadership, and commitment to medicine. The achievements of these physicians have been critical to the promotion and improvement of the health and wellbeing of our nation's capital.” Honorees were nominated by MSDC membership and selected by a panel of previous MSDC award winners.
The 2023 Capital Healthcare Honorees are:
Constance Bohon – Dr. Charles H. Epps, III Community Service Award (in recognition of outstanding public service to the community)
Dr. Bohon is being recognized for her work on women’s health and maternal health, especially serving as an advisor to the District on maternal health issues.
John Larsen, MD (posthumous) – Distinguished Service Award (in recognition of service to the Medical Society)
Dr. Larsen is being recognized posthumously for his years of mentorship of physician leaders, including MSDC leaders, and service to the Medical Society.
Peter Lavine, MD – Certificate of Meritorious Service (in recognition of distinguished service to the medical profession)
Dr. Lavine is being recognized for his leadership on physician practice issues with MSDC and the AMA and for District residents.
James Taylor, MD – John Benjamin Nichols Award, presented by UnitedHealthcare (in recognition of outstanding contributions toward improving the health of the community)
Dr. Taylor is being recognized for research into sickle cell disease and leadership of the groundbreaking work at Howard University’s Center for Sickle Cell Disease.
The awards will be presented on Friday evening, May 5, 2023, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The celebration will feature a full dinner, awards ceremony, and networking receptions. For information on the 2023 Capital Healthcare Honors, the 2023 Honorees, and how to attend or support the event, visit www.msdc.org/CHH.
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