Women's Health
MSDC has long advocated for women's health protections, the rights of women physicians, and affordable care for women's issues. MSDC works closes with ACOG, AAFP, AAP, and other specialty organizations to craft local legislation that allows DC to be the best place to practice women's and maternal medicine.
In the face of a maternal mortality crisis in the District, engagement in these issues is more important than ever. Learn more about how MSDC is working to protect the health of women, mothers, and babies in all wards in the city.
MSDC Statements and Testimony on Women's Health Issues
25th Council information coming soon!
MSDC Joins ACOG In Seeking NIPT Coverage From DC Medicaid
MSDC recently joined its partners in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) to ask DC Medicaid to cover non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries.
Recently the ACOG Committee on Practice Bulletins - Obstetrics, Committee on Genetics, and representatives from the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) updated the clinical recommendations for Screening for Fetal Chromosomal Abnormalities. These updates emphasized the importance of information to pregnant parents and the widespread need for all pregnancies to have this testing available.
The letter asked DC Medicaid to cover NIPT for beneficiaries, both the screening and diagnostic tests, regardless of risk factors. In addition, the letter calls for the tests to not be subject to prior authorization. Signatories on the letter included Lisa Satterfield, ACOG's Senior Director of Health Economics & Practice Management; Dr. Sara Imershein, ACOG Legislative Chair (and MSDC member); and MSDC President Dr. EW Emanuel.
In follow-up correspondence, the Department of Health Care Finance shared it is considering the issue.
Sample of Legislation MSDC Followed in Women's Health and Maternal Health
(See the whole list of bills here)
What does the bill do? Extends postpartum inpatient and outpatient benefits to at least one year after childbirth
MSDC position: We support this legislation and the extension of insurance benefits to mothers and babies to help maternal health in the District
Current status: SUCCESS. The bill passed the Council and was signed into law by the Mayor on August 14, 2020.
What does the bill do? The bill prohibits the District government from interfering with patients' reproductive health decisions and prohibits employers from punishing physicians who perform abortions or sterilizations outside of their employment.
MSDC position: We support this legislation as it allows physicians freedom of practice.
Current status: SUCCESS. The bill passed the Committee on Government Operations in January. MSDC submitted testimony at the December hearing, and MSDC member Sara Imershein testified at the hearing. The Council passed the bill and the Mayor signed it into law on March 23, 2020.
What does the bill do? The bill extends coverage for maternal health issues and fertility preservation, creates a Maternal Health Center in the District, and mandates two hours of cultural competence CME for health care providers.
MSDC position: We oppose the bill without changes due to inclusion of mandatory CME and some of the definitions in the bill being medically questionable.
Current status: The bill had a hearing in the Committee on Health in December, with MSDC member Dr. Sara Imershein testifying for MSDC and ACOG.
Leave a comment