Mayor Bowser Urges Congress to Preserve DC Medicaid

Mayor Muriel Bowser urged Congress to maintain the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for Washington, DC, warning that a reduction to 50% would lead to a staggering $2. 1 billion loss in funding. Over 285,000 DC residents, including 95,000 children and 28,000 seniors, rely on Medicaid for health coverage, and cuts would jeopardize essential services. Jacqueline Bowens, President of the DC Hospital Association, stated that reduced funding would weaken emergency preparedness and public safety. Councilmember Christina Henderson remarked that such cuts would erase significant public health gains made in the last two decades.

The FMAP has been set at 70% since the 1997 Revitalization Act, recognizing DC's unique financial constraints. Without the ability to tax many workers commuting into the city, the District faces challenges in funding critical services. Health leaders warn that cuts would not only threaten health care access but also lead to job losses and increased wait times for care. Bowser's call to action emphasizes the urgent need to protect Medicaid funding for the well-being of DC's residents and visitors.