Also ensure they have a Login.gov or ID.me secure sign-in account
By Larry Dandridge
According to the VA’s “What’s New on My HealtheVet” webpage (https://bit.ly/4khPX6K), veterans who are computer-skilled and who have a computer, iPhone, or iPad or other compatible devices “should manage their healthcare needs along with their other VA benefits and services at the VA’s MY HEALTHEVET website.
Create a Login.gov or ID.me account now
Veterans need to adjust for the VA’s secure sign-in changes. In 2025, veterans have two sign-in account options (Login.gov and ID.me) for all VA websites and apps. The VA was to remove the My HealtheVet sign-in option after March 4, 2025, and the DS Logon option after September 30, 2025. Veterans can still use their HealtheVet health portal but must sign in to it with a Login.gov or ID.me account. Learn more at the “Prepare for VA’s secure sign-in changes” webpage (https://bit.ly/3F3S6D4).
My HealtheVet
The VA’s “My HealtheVet” homepage is found at https://bit.ly/3yVqglA. Veterans can sign in or create a “My HealtheVet” account at the My HealtheVet homepage. With a My HealtheVet account, veterans can:
- Pharmacy: Refill their VA pharmacy prescriptions, track delivery, view a list of their VA medications, and see other details. Learn more at the VA’s “Try the New Medications Tool on the VA.gov webpage (https://bit.ly/4iqcsoe).
- Appointments: Keep Track of their upcoming appointments and get email reminders. In 2025, veterans need to use a Login.gov or ID.meaccount to sign in to My HealtheVet and other VA tools. Learn how to manage your VA appointments at the “Manage Your VA Appointments” webpage at https://bit.ly/3F4d7gU. Veterans can: (1.) View their appointments, (2.) View their After Visit Summaries, (3.) Schedule or cancel a VA appointment online, and (4) Sign in to manage their VA appointments.
- Messages: Communicate securely online with their VA healthcare team and other VA staff about non-emergency information or questions. When veterans visit My HealtheVet’s secure messaging feature, they will find a link to try messaging on VA.gov. Veterans may be prompted to sign in to VA.gov before using this tool. Once the veteran is on the new messages page, they can perform all the tasks they are accustomed to including: (1.) Send and receive non-urgent messages with VA providers and staff on your care team, (2.) Organize messages in folders, and (3.) Download and print messages. Veterans who receive care from a VA health facility using the My VA Health portal will still need to go to that portal to manage their messages.
- Health Records: View, print, or download a copy of their VA medical records information, or enter their health information. When veterans visit My HealtheVet’s health records pages, they find a link to try the new medical records tool on VA.gov. The VA may prompt veterans to sign in again to VA.gov. Once a veteran is on the medical records page on VA.gov, they can perform all the important tasks they are used to including: (1.) Review detailed health information. This includes lab and test results, allergy information, vaccine information, provider notes and care summaries, vitals, and health conditions. (2.)Customize and download a record of the veteran’s health history. (3.) Create an electronic record of the veteran’s health history that can be shared with other providers.
Other helpful information on “My HealtheVet”
The homepage has links to valuable resources including: (1.) Benefits, (2.) Veterans Health Library, (3.) Community, (4.) Mental Health, (5.) Annie Health Texting, and (6.) Whole Health. There are also links to the VA’s “VA Mobile Apps” webpage (https://bit.ly/3QLwCNY), which explains how to prepare for VA sign-in changes.
There are also links to the following mobile apps: (1) Annie for Veterans, which allows veterans to receive automated text messages for self-care, including medication reminders, tips to reduce stress, and more, (2.) VA Health and Benefits, which allows veterans to manage existing VA claims and appointments, securely message their VA health care providers, and more, and (3.) VA Health Chat, which allows veterans to chat with VA staff members through online access (available at selected sites only).
Other links to helpful Apps at the My HealtheVet webpage include:
- AIMS for Anger Management: Track, address, and manage anger to reduce frustration and feel in control.
- CBT-i Coach: Receive supplemental support for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia and learn strategies to improve sleep.
- MHA for Veterans: Take a variety of mental health assessments from the convenience of home.
- Mindfulness Coach: Learn to practice mindfulness to reduce stress and improve emotional balance.
- PTSD Coach: Access tools, educational resources, and self-assessments to help manage the stresses of daily life with PTSD.
- Live Whole Health: Support your health and well-being with care centered around what matters most to you.
- MOVE! Coach: Complete a 16-week nutrition and exercise program.
- Stay Quit Coach: Create a personalized plan to quit smoking and access resources for staying smoke-free.
- VetChange: Develop healthier drinking habits using motivational tools, stress management techniques, and other resources.
- Ask a Pharmacist: Access trusted information about VA pharmacies, prescription labels, medications, and more.
- VA Online Scheduling: Request, schedule, and track your appointments at VA and Community Care facilities online.
- VA Video Connect: Meet with VA health care providers through live video on computer, tablet, or mobile device with an internet connection.
How to apply for VA Healthcare
Learn how to apply for VA Healthcare at the VA’s “How to apply for VA health care” webpage (https://bit.ly/3B7x5Dz). Veterans can apply: (1.) online (see https://bit.ly/3yXSIaj), (2.) by phone, (3.) by mail, (4.) in person (VA Medical Center or Clinic), or (5.) with the help of a VA-accredited and trained professional (a VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer – VSO; VA-accredited Attorney, or VA-accredited Claims Agent). VSO services are free.
How to find out if you are eligible for VA healthcare
Learn how to determine if you qualify for VA health care at the VA’s “Eligibility for VA health care” webpage (https://bit.ly/3cuf4Vm). Ask your local VSO to help you apply for VA Healthcare or call the VA hotline 877-222-8387 or ask your State’s Department of Veterans Affairs for help.
You can contact The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center My HealtheVet Coordinator at 843-789-6504.
The bottom line
Veterans need to create a Login.gov or ID.me account and use MY HealtheVet to manage their healthcare needs and other VA benefits and services.
Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at his local VA Hospital, a Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, and the past VP for Veteran Affairs for the local Army Association and Military Officer Association Chapters. Larry is also the author of the award-winning Blades of Thunder (Book One) and a contributing freelance writer with the Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@earthlink.net or 843-276-7164.
