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 on Jan. 31, the VA will require all users to log in using one of two secure methods.
Veterans who access their records and services on My HealtheVet, VA.gov or through the VA: Health and Benefits mobile app will be required to use Login.gov and ID.me.
The shift provides the ability for the usage of multifactor authentication, that would allow users to securely verify their identity and access services with confidence.
Brian Stephens is the Communications Chief 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 push this out so that on February first, we don’t have veterans that are, you know, upset because they can’t get in and sign in,” said Stephens.
Stephens also said, veterans who don’t make the switch by the deadline could lose access to VA online services. Some of which, include: secure messaging, prescription refills, scheduling appointments, disability claims and more.
“It’s not a situation where, February first, things are going to be erased or they won’t have,” said Stephens. “It’s just, they won’t be able to access that.”
Although the switch may be hard for some, Stephens said the VA has resources for those who may need some help with the new process.
“They can come to the hospital…there is live help,” said Stephens.
Patients can view the online guides and videos for detailed instructions by going to www.va.gov/sign-in-changes.
There’s also a live assistance option which veterans can access by calling the MyVA411 help line at 1-800-698-2411.
As always, veterans can also visit their local VA facility.
“So, it is frustrating, and this is really due to security and to really make sure… veterans can be a very vulnerable population,” said Stephens. “Without going to this modernized sign on, they (veterans) could be putting their health, their health information or their benefit information at risk.”
Without these multifactor authentication accounts, veterans would then be directed to contact their local VA facilities or to call 1-800-698-2411 to manage their services, which could potentially lead to delays.
In a press release sent by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, there are differences between the two different multifactor authentication platforms that veterans should take into consideration.
Login.gov is described as being, “simple and user-friendly, 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 seeking military discounts or additional verification methods like video calls.”
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