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!
Fed's Prior Auth Reforms Mirror DC Law
CMS's announcement yesterday of new reforms to the Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act plans' prior authorization rules are a huge step in reducing physician paperwork burden. They also mirror legislation passed by DC and supported by MSDC last year.
Among other changes, the new rules would require coverage for urgent treatments within 72 hours and seven day for non-urgent treatments. Insurers will also need to publicize prior authorization denial rates and justifications for denials. Changes will mostly be in place by 2026. However, the changes do not apply to all drug prescriptions.
These reforms were similar to those included in then-B25-124, the Prior Authorization Reform Amendment Act. That legislation applied to the private insurance market and (as of February) implements shorter turnaround times, more insurer disclosures and reporting, and more protections for patients' treatments from process abuse. The DC law did require funding in the District budget to apply to Medicaid and Alliance programs, although it is unclear how the new CMS requirements change this calculus.
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.