Risk to Medicaid Program
DCDS is advocating for higher fees to be paid to dentists and other dental providers by Medicaid for covered dental procedures. Now Congress is considering a massive cut of $1.1 billion to federal matching funds for DC's Medicaid program (cuts to DC's Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP)).
This matters to everyone in the District because these cuts would send shockwaves through the DC health care system and force many residents who rely on Medicaid to seek care from hospital emergency rooms, adding to the strain on the health care system. The DC government may raise taxes on businesses and residents to make up for lost funds.
If you provide care to a member of Congress or a Hill staffer, you are in a unique position to be heard. Please call or send them a message to share your concerns.
House Member Lookup
Senator Lookup
Members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce are expected to vote on Medicaid funding, so it is particularly important for them to understand the impact of a cut of DC's federal matching funds. Look up members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
About the Risk to Federal Matching Funds for Medicaid
The District of Columbia and all states receive federal matching funds ( the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage or FMAP). The District of Columbia receives supplemental funds in recognition of its unique circumstances and costs that it bears as our nation's capital (read our fact sheet explaining "Why DC Receives a 70% Federal Match for Medicaid (FMAP)"). Those additional funds are a particular target in Congress.
Quick Facts
- 42% of DC residents rely on Medicaid for their health care - more than 286,000 people
- Total cuts could be $1.1 billion or more (see our fact sheet or short video).
- Dental coverage could be eliminated if any cut happens. The dental benefit would likely be terminated if the full $1.1 billion in cuts are implemented.
- Residents who rely on Medicaid would experience toothaches, abscesses and other dental emergencies would be forced to seek care from hospital emergency rooms and urgent care clinics.
- This would increase the strain on emergency care facilities and affect anyone who visits an emergency room or urgent care clinic.
To learn more about DC Dental Society advocacy efforts and to get involved, please write to info@dcdental.org.
