Dec. 26 – Veterans who rely on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ online services will now have more secure ways to access their health and benefits information.
Starting January 31, the VA will require all users to log in using one of two secure methods.
Veterans who access their data and services on My HealtheVet, VA.gov or through the VA: Health and Benefits mobile app should use Login.gov and ID.me.
The shift opens up the opportunity for the use of multi-factor authentication, which allows users to securely verify their identity and access services with confidence.
Brian Stephens is chief communications officer for the VA Eastern Kansas Healthcare System. He said this change is huge for the veterans the VA serves and is also important.
“We’re trying to get this out there so that come February 1, we don’t have any veterans who are upset because they can’t get in and sign up,” Stephens said.
Stephens also said veterans who don’t make the switch by the deadline could lose access to VA online services. Some of these include: secure messaging, prescription refills, appointment scheduling, disability claims and more.
“It’s not a situation where, come February 1, things are going to be erased or not,” Stephens said. “It’s just that they’re not going to have access to that.”
While the transition may be difficult for some, Stephens said the VA has resources for those who may need help with the new process.
“They can come to the hospital… there is live help,” Stephens said.
Patients can view the online manuals and videos for detailed instructions at www.va.gov/sign-in-changes.
There is also a live assistance option that veterans can access by calling the MyVA411 helpline at 1-800-698-2411.
As always, veterans can also visit their local VA facility.
“So it’s frustrating, and this really comes down to safety and really making sure… veterans can be a very vulnerable population,” Stephens said. “Without this modernized sign, they (veterans) could be putting their health, their health information or their benefits information at risk.”
Without these multi-factor authentication accounts, veterans would then be directed to contact their local VA facilities or call 1-800-698-2411 to manage their services, potentially leading to delays.
In a press release from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, there are differences between the two different multi-factor authentication platforms that veterans should keep in mind.
Login.gov is described as “simple and easy to use, perfect for veterans who prefer an easy setup and already use federal services like TSA PreCheck or FEMA.”
ID.me offers “robust identity verification options, ideal for veterans looking for military discounts or additional verification methods like video calls.”
