{"id":172449,"date":"2025-08-06T07:00:24","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T11:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valorguardians.com\/blog\/?p=172449"},"modified":"2025-08-05T18:54:52","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T22:54:52","slug":"wednesday-va-changes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.azuse.cloud\/?p=172449","title":{"rendered":"Wednesday VA changes"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Couple of changes coming up, some of which might affect you.<\/p>\n

First up – VA is simplifying the number of separate logins you may need. A couple of years back, you could log in under MyHealtheVet, DS, VA, IDMe, and for all I know pinky swearing. Seemed to me that every time I logged in with one, I somehow got directed to another and was using the password for my work computer or something, so I was constantly changing passwords and getting ticked off. The VA went away at some point, MyHealtheVet deferred to VA, and now they are saying you need to use either IDMe or Login.gov.\u00a0 Disappointed in so few choices? Don’t be.<\/p>\n

Roughly 20 million people will eventually move to the new system, myAuth, from the legacy DS Logon authentication system used by roughly 200 DoD and VA websites. The new cloud-based myAuth is more secure than DS Logon and will simplify the verification process, according to Defense Department officials.<\/p>\n

The Defense Department will introduce the new system in phases and has started with milConnect, the website for benefits and the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, and ID Card Office Online. Users who go to access those websites via their Common Access Cards or DS Logon credentials will receive prompts to create myAuth accounts.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Me, I feel better – they are adding yet another system for which I will probably not remember password, mother’s blood type, or father’s left big toe length. But drioudly:<\/p>\n

To get a myAuth account, users must have a DS Logon or a CAC card. Those who don’t have a CAC or a DS Logon must create a one-time DS Logon account in the next 18 months and then create a myAuth account. If they wait until after the DS Logon system is gone, they will need to reverify their identities, according to the department.\u00a0\u00a0Military.com<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

VA part deux<\/strong> – if you have been receiving civilian care authorized by VA, you are probably aware that your authorization for the non-VA care must be periodically renewed, right?<\/p>\n

VA officials said that, under the change, eligible veterans will receive 12 months of uninterrupted medical services from private providers covered by the department without needing a new authorization.<\/p>\n

Before the change, which went into effect Monday, VA community care specialty referrals were reevaluated every 90 to 180 days, according to the department.<\/p>\n

Under the program, veterans can go to private doctors if they must wait more than 20 days for a primary or mental health care appointment at the VA or face a drive of 30 minutes or longer. For specialty care, the standards are a 60-minute drive or 28-day wait.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The changes were triggered by cases in which a vet had his chemo program with two sessions unfilled, and another had his entire chemo program refused because his cancer came back.\u00a0 Me, I personally know a retired vet who played hell getting her cancer even looked at because the VA doc assumed that her hysterectomy removed ALL her plumbing and so she couldn’t get cancer there. This should be an improvement.<\/p>\n

The list of specialties per the article for which you can get one year authorizations is:<\/p>\n

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