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Veterans Innovation Program and Basic Health
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Veterans Innovation Program (VIP)?

Created in 2006 by the Washington State Legislature, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) administers the Veterans Innovation Program (VIP) to assist veterans and their families. According to WDVA, this program's results-oriented goal is the "long-term well-being of the veteran and their family and focuses on employment or financial stability, education/training, health care and housing." One of the benefits under this program is priority enrollment.

For information about all of the other benefits provided under the VIP:

  • Call WDVA 1-800-562-2308, or
  • Visit their website.

Who is eligible for VIP?

Members of the Washington National Guard and Reserves, their spouses, and dependents, who served in any one of the following:

  • Operation Enduring Freedom
  • Operation Iraqi Freedom
  • Operation Noble Eagle

What is Basic Health?

Basic Health provides quality, affordable health insurance to eligible Washington State residents. To be eligible for BH, you must:

  • Be a Washington resident;
  • Be a US Citizen or qualified non-citizen;
  • Be between 19-64 years old;
  • Have gross family income at or below 200% of the Federal Income Guidelines;
  • Have countable income for your family between 0-133% of the Federal Income Guidelines;
  • Not be eligible for Medicaid or be receiving DSHS medical care services;
  • Not be eligible for free or purchased Medicare;
  • Not be a full-time student who has received a temporary visa to study in the United States;
  • Not be institutionalized at the time of enrollment; and
  • Not be enrolled in the Washington Health Program

What is priority enrollment?

When Basic Health receives more applications than there are spaces available, eligible applicants must wait for space to enroll for coverage. This wait time can last for several months depending on demand.

Priority enrollment means you and your family members are eligible to enroll without being required to wait for space.

How do I get coverage?

You must apply for coverage by sending:

  • A signed and completed Basic Health application
  • Proof of your street address in Washington State
  • A copy of your complete IRS Form 1040 for the most recent tax year. If you did not file a return, send proof from the IRS that you did not file taxes.
  • Proof of all gross family income received within the past 30 days
  • A copy of your DD-214. If you need a copy of your DD-214, see how to obtain one.

You can find our return address on both the electronic and paper version of our application.

How to apply

You may request an application for Basic Health by calling 1-800-660-9840.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, call our customer service staff at 1-800-660-9840.