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Dear Neighbors,
Every day there’s news about the latest developments in technology, with many of them occurring in the field of health. Staying abreast of new practices and how they may affect both District residents and their health care providers ensures that patients receive the quality care that they deserve.
A health insurance practice we’ve been tracking is downcoding. Downcoding occurs when an insurance company uses automated software and/or artificial intelligence to reduce a service code submitted by a clinician to a lower-level code, resulting in lower reimbursement for care a patient received and threatening the medical practice’s sustainability. This practice happens automatically and often unilaterally, without review of a patient’s clinical file and without consultation with the patient’s physician. In short, a computer system overrides the judgement of a doctor regarding a treatment that has already been provided. The American Medical Association, the largest national association for medical societies, has been documenting the rise of payer downcoding software programs. In an already frustrating health care system, the prevalence of automated downcoding ultimately disrupts revenue streams and increases an office’s administrative load, which can be more than some practices can bear.
The District isn’t alone in this issue. Downcoding has become a national concern, with Illinois, Indiana, and Virgina creating legislation prohibiting insurers from participating in the automated process, including artificial intelligence. Maryland has issued regulatory guidance.
To combat this growing concern, earlier this week I introduced the Transparency in Downcoding Amendment Act of 2026. The bill would restrict the use of automated tools in downcoding claims decisions and establish increased transparency, necessary clinical review, and due process protections for health care providers. While AI has the potential to help unlock new advancements in health care, algorithms cannot be used as a substitute for the clinical judgment and documentation of the treating professional. We must ensure that our residents and physicians are not disadvantaged by this practice.
As we continue through a busy October, the upcoming Committee on Health’s calendar includes a hearing on the Health Benefit Exchange Authority Technical Amendment Act of 2026, the HealthCare Facilities Regulation Amendment Act of 2026 and a roundtable on long-term care for District residents with complex needs. The health care facilities legislation may be of particular interest to those of you tracking the growth of private equity in buying smaller providers. I look forward to these conversations; find details on how to sign-up below in this newsletter.
On a lighter note, if you are looking for something to do this weekend, the inaugural Capitol Hill Porchfest will be happening on Saturday, October 10 from 2-6pm. If you’ve been to Adams Morgan Porchfest or Petworth Porchfest, you know how this goes. 155 bands, 52 porches – great live music and good community fun. For the map and details, check out: https://www.capitolhillporchfest.com/.
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com
On Wednesday, September 30, the Committee on Health held a public hearing on the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act of 2025. The bill was introduced by Chairman Mendelson at the request of the Uniform Law Commission and would facilitate modifications to mortgages that allow the parties to continue their relationship with their current mortgagor, without resorting to foreclosure. It establishes several types of “safe harbor” modifications that can be made to a commercial or residential mortgage.
On Friday, October 2, the Committee on Health held a public oversight roundtable on the Department of Behavioral Health’s (DBH) financial challenges. Government witnesses reported that the agency faced $20.6 million spending pressure at the close of FY26 and implemented an agency-wide hiring freeze, with exceptions for direct care positions, predominantly at Saint Elizabeths Hospital. The spending pressure was driven largely by excessive billing and suspected fraud involving community support services, which are nonclinical services that help consumers manage daily living tasks. DBH has implemented billing guardrails and is considering additional measures, including reducing allowable service units, to prevent overbilling and ensure these supports complement appropriate clinical care. Agency leaders stated that the FY26 spending pressure was resolved using identified savings within the Department of Health Care Finance resulting from changes in Alliance enrollment, and that no FY27 spending pressure is currently projected. Reforms are still needed in this space as this is not the first time there have been excessive billing and fraud suspected from community support services.
On Monday, October 5, Councilmember Henderson introduced two new health-related bills:
You can find the upcoming schedule for the Committee on Health below; witnesses can sign up to testify at https://lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings/. Stay tuned for updates.
On Tuesday, October 6, the DC Council held its thirty-seventh legislative meeting. During the meeting the Council unanimously approved Councilmember Henderson’s amendment to her introduced bill, the Climatizing Our Overheated Living Spaced Regulation Amendment Act of 2026. The amendment changes the bills effective date to April 1, 2027, to allow landlords to turn on their building’s air conditioning in April next year, if needed.
The Council also approved Chairman Mendelson’s amendment to Councilmember Henderson’s introduced bill, the Cybersecurity and Accountability Amendment Act of 2026, that modifies the bill’s confidentiality provisions.
On Thursday, October 8, Councilmember Henderson introduced the Restricting Editing and Alterations in Listing Photos Amendment Act of 2026 which would address the practice of using AI-edited or AI-altered photos in real estate listings, requiring listing agents, realtors, and property managers to provide truthful and accurate descriptions of properties for lease or sale in the District.
Examining Health Policy
On Monday, September 28, through Wednesday, September 30, Committee on Health Deputy Committee Director Marcia Huff and Health Policy Advisor Rebecca Cooper joined state leaders at the National Academy for State Health Policy 39th Annual Conference in New York City. The conference delves into issues facing state health policymakers and highlights innovative solutions on topics including Medicaid, public health, health care costs, coverage and costs, behavioral health, workforce, maternal and child health, primary care, caregiving, aging, and more.
Meeting with Charter School Leaders
On Tuesday, September 29, Councilmember Henderson joined the DC Public Charter School Board for their meeting of school leaders along with Council colleagues Chairman Phil Mendelson and Councilmember Zachary Parker. Discussion explored how DC’s shifting political and economic landscape impacts the future of public education.
Checking In With ANC 4E
Later that day, Councilmember Henderson joined the monthly meeting for Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4E, which covers the Crestwood and Sixteenth Street Heights neighborhoods in NW. Councilmember Henderson shared updates on her newly introduced legislation, the Committee on Health’s acquisition of the Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking within its portfolio, and rodent and trash management.
Surveying the Golden Triangle BID
On Thursday, October 1, Councilmember Henderson started her day by meeting with Golden Triangle BID Executive Director Leona Agouridis. Together they toured the 172-block area that stretches from Dupont Circle to Pennsylvania Avenue, discussing issues facing businesses, residents and visitors.
Addressing Future Providers at GW’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences
That afternoon, Councilmember Henderson stopped by George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences to speak with students in the physician assistant program. Discussion highlighted current challenges in the District regarding health policy, including workforce shortages, childhood immunizations, Medicaid funding, and increasing healthcare affordability.
Meeting Future Doctors
Later that day, Councilmember Henderson met with the newest cohort of medical residents participating in George Washington University’s three-week intensive Residency Fellowship in Health Policy. The new health professionals from GW, Howard and Children’s National Hospital asked questions about health advocacy, navigating a path to practical and positive outcomes, and the impact of health policy on their future patients and practices.
#WeekWithoutDriving
While participating in #WeekWithoutDriving, October 1-8, Councilmember Henderson spent the week carless and catching Metro. The DC Week Without Driving challenges elected officials and members of the public to use public transportation and non-car modes of travel and publicly share their experiences in order to highlight issues of access, convenience, safety, and the environment. Councilmember Henderson can be seen above at Metro Center Station, conveniently located near the John A. Wilson Building.
DCIF's 2026 Legislative Reception
On Tuesday, October 6, Committee on Health Senior Policy Advisor Lukogho Kasomo and Legislative Assistant Ange Jospeh joined the DC Insurance Federation (DCIF) for their 2026 Legislative Reception. The federation was founded in 1986 and aims to promote a progressive and balanced business climate for insurance companies operating within DC.
Getting Our Flu and Covid Vaccines
The next day, on Wednesday, October 7, staff from Councilmember Henderson’s office participated in DC government’s 2026 Employee Flu Shot Clinic Tour. Legislative Assistant Nneka Onyekwuluje can be seen receiving her flu shot above. Check the DC Health website to locate a vaccine clinic near you.
Capitol Hill PorchFest
Capitol Hill PorchFest is bringing an afternoon of free live music to porches, stoops, and yards across Capitol Hill, Hill East, Lincoln Park, and Barracks Row on Saturday, October 10, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. Join in on the fun with dozens of bands performing across 62 neighborhood porches. The event is free to the public and family friendly. Come early and stay late to enjoy the music and restaurants across Capitol Hill.
Visit the official website for more information.
Community Week in DC
Community Week DC is a citywide celebration of belonging, running October 14 to October 21. It is dedicated to the builders, spaces, and communities that make real social connection possible across DC. Whether you are a community builder looking for peers and resources, someone seeking to find your people in DC, or just curious about the community space, there is something for you. Consider yourself a community builder? Then Community Week is built specifically with you in mind. Beyond the recognition and spotlight, you'll have access to builder-only gatherings, workshops on running sustainable communities, and the opportunity to connect with peers.
You can find a full list of events and more information, here.
¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!
Del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre, celebramos la historia, la cultura y las contribuciones de las comunidades latinas en DC y en todo el país.
Este año es especialmente significativo, ya que la Oficina de la Alcaldesa Muriel Bowser para Asuntos Latinos(MOLA) celebra un importante hito: su 50.º aniversario, que representa cinco décadas de servicio, apoyo y colaboración con las comunidades latinas de DC.
A lo largo del mes, la Administración Bowser y MOLA conmemorarán este importante aniversario con eventos culturales, encuentros comunitarios y oportunidades para reunirnos y rendir homenaje a las personas y tradiciones que fortalecen nuestra ciudad.
Acompáñanos durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana para celebrar el 50.º aniversario de MOLA y cinco décadas de servicio a las comunidades latinas de DC.
From September 15 through October 15, we celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Latino communities in DC and across the nation.
This year is especially meaningful as the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA) celebrates a milestone 50th anniversary, marking five decades of service, advocacy, and partnership with DC’s Latino communities.
Throughout the month, the Bowser Administration and MOLA will celebrate this milestone through cultural events, community gatherings, and opportunities to come together and honor the people and traditions that make our city stronger.
Join us throughout Hispanic Heritage Month as we celebrate MOLA’s 50th anniversary and five decades of service to DC’s Latino communities.
From Charts to DNA: Find Your Family
This in-person, intermediate workshop offered by the DC History Center and DC Public Library works well as a follow up to Genealogy 101 or if you’re comfortable with the basics of family research. Every family history is different, with its own questions and challenges. Through short presentations paired with small group discussions, this session is designed to meet you where you are. Experienced genealogists will be on hand to help you think through problems, share strategies, and identify your next steps. You’ll leave with practical approaches and a deeper understanding of how to continue your family history research. Join in on Tuesday, October 20, at 6:00pm to 7:30pm at Woodbridge Neighborhood Library (1801 Hamlin St NE).
You can register for the event, here.
Pumpkin Palooza
Join the fall fun at PumpkinPalooza on October 28 at Alethia Tanner Park. Enjoy free “pick-your-own” pumpkins, live music, great food, local vendors, and costumed characters for families and neighbors to enjoy. It’s one of NoMa’s most popular community events and a festive way to celebrate the season. The Lead-Safe and Healthy Housing Division will be participating, as a tabling resource partner. We hope to see at the Alethia Tanner Park (227 Harry Thomas Way, NE) on Wednesday, October 28, at 7:00pm.
Lost in Translation Book Club
This book club aims to celebrate the labor translators provide in expanding the beauty of the literary world. Through contemporary works of fiction from authors in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China, with an honorable feature from the current poet laureate of the United States, Arthur Sze, we will explore the role of translation in enriching our understanding of the human condition. And read some great books!
The club will alternate between virtual and in person meetings on select Mondays, lasting for about one hour every month. Limited copies of each book will be available for checkout at West End Neighborhood library.
Please email westendlibrary@dc.gov for a link to the virtual meetings, or with any questions.
The DC History Conference: Submissions Open!
The DC History Conference is the largest annual gathering for history and humanities-minded people who care about the city of Washington, DC. The conference invites submissions from all community members: artists, educators, local organizers, performers, public history practitioners, researchers, scholars across the humanities and other fields, and students from middle through graduate school. In addition to traditional panel presentations, the committee encourages a variety of formats to showcase your work: the Research Showcase, History Network, Coffee Chat, Authors’ Corner, film screening, and other creative interpretations of history. The submission deadline is Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 10:00am.
The DC History Conference is co-presented by DC History Center + HumanitiesDC and DC Public Library and supported by organizational partners and a volunteer planning committee.
You can view more information and the conference submission form, here.
You Are Not A Loan: Know Your Rights Debt Talk
Hear from Legal Aid DC attorneys about common types of consumer debt, including utility debt, credit card debt, car/auto debt, and medical debt. Learn your rights as a consumer, how to protect yourself from predatory debt collections, and legal options for debt relief. The conversation takes place at Benning/Dorothy I. Height Library, Meeting Room 1 (3935 Benning Road NE) from Saturday, October 10 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm. Stay for an open discussion about debt, led by Debt Collective, with a focus on fighting the stigma around debt and moving toward empowerment and organizing.
You can register for the event, here.
Get Paw-tected, Free Vaccines
Don’t miss the chance to paw-tect your pet! DC residents are welcome to bring their cat or dog for free vaccines including Rabies, FVRCP and DA2PPV, plus free microchips. No registration needed, first come first served!
Helping Uplift Businesses
Opening or operating a business in the District comes with important steps, and the DC Department of Buildings (DOB) is here to help make them easier to navigate. Join us for the second DOB Helping Uplift Businesses (HUB) Workshop on Thursday, October 15, from 10:00am to 12:00pm.
This workshop will focus on the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) process, with DOB subject-matter experts providing guidance on the overall process, plan review requirements, inspections, and more. Attendees will also have an opportunity to connect directly with DOB staff and get answers to their questions.
You can register for the event, here.
The Return of Free Veggie Giveaways
It's officially FREE veggie giveaway season in Washington, DC. The Department of Parks and Recreation is bringing farm-fresh produce straight to the community, from rooftop harvests to garden-grown goods, this is your weekly chance to grab fresh, locally grown food -on us.
From now until November 25 (weather permitting) you can attend weekly veggie giveaways at DPR communal farms.
Early arrival and reusable bags are encouraged.
To attend giveaways participants must be registered. You can find more information and register, here.
Have a constituent service need related to the Health Committee or any of the other agencies in DC Government? Want Councilmember Henderson to come to your community event or meeting? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Constituent Services Director Ana Berrios-Vazquez during regular business hours (9:00am - 5:30pm) at 202-724-8105, or ABerriosVazquez@dccouncil.gov.
You can visit us online at christinahendersondc.com. Or stay connected by following Councilmember Christina Henderson on her socials.
Website: christinahendersondc.com
Twitter (X): @CMCHenderson
Instagram: @christinahendersondc
Facebook: @christinahendersondc
Bluesky: @cmchenderson.bsky.social