Establishing a Basic Health Plan (BHP)
Affordable Care Act Section 1331 gives states an option to establish a BHP. A BHP is a health insurance program for low-income residents who are not Medicaid eligible and would otherwise be eligible to purchase coverage through an ACA Marketplace, in DC called DC Health Link.
For information on the Basic Health Plan Advisory Council and Carrier Working Groups, click here.
Public Comment Request - DC HBX drafted a Basic Health Plan Blueprint to submit to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). States choosing to operate a BHP must submit a BHP Blueprint to CMS as an official request for certification of the program. The Blueprint outlines how DC HBX will operate and manage the BHP and its adherence to federal rules.
DC HBX invited the public to submit written comments on the draft Blueprint from June 17, 2025 through July 16, 2025.
September 16 Community Leadership Meeting
DC HBX held a Community Leadership Meeting on September 16, 2025 to provide information about Healthy DC Plan, the new name for the BHP. DHCF also shared information about the upcoming changes to Medicaid.
