Page 8 - Mariner-Vol65-Issue1

TIPS & CLIPS

Get a Veteran Health

Identification Card (VHIC)

Below are some helpful tips VA appointments. It is not used as payment or an insur-
from the VA website with ance card. Note, it does not authorize or pay for care at
regards to getting a Veteran non-VA facilities.
Health Identification Card
(VHIC). The Veteran Health Learn how to get a Veteran Health Identification Card
Identification Card (VHIC) (VHIC). Find out what to do if your card is lost or stolen
Joanne Elliott, YNC is only issued to Veterans in and what to do with any old ID cards you may have used
National President the VA system and is used as for VA health care in the past.
identification at check-in at

What's a Veteran Health Identification Card, and how will I use it?
When you’re enrolled in VA health care, you’ll use your Veterans at many stores, businesses, and restaurants. If
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) to check in you have a VHIC, you don’t need to request another type
to your appointments at VA medical centers. This secure of photo ID card to prove you’re a Veteran or to get retail
ID card keeps your personal information safe while giv- or business discounts.
ing us the information we need to easily access your VA
health record. Note: You can’t use your VHIC as a credit card or insur-
ance card. It doesn't pay copays or authorize care at
You may also use this card to get discounts offered to non-VA health facilities.

How do I get my VHIC?
First, you’ll need to be enrolled in VA health care. If you’re Please bring your current, unexpired:
not already enrolled, find out how to apply for VA health n State-issued driver’s license, or
care www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply. n U.S. passport or passport card, or
n Other government ID issued by a federal, state, or
After you receive your VA health care local government agency
welcome call Note: This ID must show your picture and date of birth.
Contact your nearest VA medical center and ask to speak If it doesn’t also show your address, you’ll need to bring
with the enrollment coordinator. Ask the coordinator to a separate document to confirm your address. This may
help you arrange to get your picture taken for your new include your electric bill, cable bill, voter registration card,
Veteran Health Identification Card. or another mailed document.

You can also ask for help with getting your picture taken After we take your picture
at your next VA health care appointment. We’ll process your VHIC and send it to you by mail. You
should receive your card within 10 days.
When you get your picture taken
You’ll need to show a current form of primary
identification.

8 The Mariner • 2022 SPRING Edition • Volume 65 • Issue 1