The VA has announced the roll out of newly designed, more secure Veteran Health Identification Cards (VHIC) in 2014.
Similar to a typical health insurance card, the new VHIC will display the veteran’s member ID, a new unique identifier, and a plan ID, reflecting the veteran’s enrollment in VA healthcare.
The new card replaces the Veteran Identification Card (VIC), which was introduced in 2004. The new “phased” rollout began on February 21st, 2014. For now, the card will only be issued to newly enrolled and other veterans who have not yet been issued a VIC.
In April 2014, VA will begin a three-month effort to automatically issue the new & more secure VHIC to more than 4 million current VIC cardholders. VA recommends Veterans safeguard their VIC as they would a credit card, and cut up or shred the card once it is replaced.
The new VHIC is personalized to display the emblem of the Veteran’s branch of service. It also provides features that make it easier to use, such as the addition of “VA” in Braille to help visually impaired Veterans, and the printing of VA phone numbers and emergency care instructions on the cards.
“VA is committed to providing high quality health care while ensuring the personal security of Veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “These new identification cards are an important step forward in protecting our nation’s heroes from identity theft and other personal crimes.”
Important!! Veterans who are already enrolled should ensure the address on file is correct to assure they receive their new card in a timely manner. To update or to confirm your current address on file with the VA, please call 1-877-222-VETS (8387). If the post office cannot deliver your VHIC, the card will be returned to the VA.
Enrolled veterans can get more information about the new VHIC by speaking with their VA medical facility enrollment coordinator, visiting the website www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhic, or by calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387).
Veterans not enrolled in the VA healthcare system can apply for enrollment at any time by visiting
www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/,
calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387) or
visiting their local VA health care facility.
Thanks to Laurie Cox, the VFW lady
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