A new agreement worked out between the Veterans Health Administration and the Department of Defense streamlines the process for veterans using medical facilities on base.
Starting this month, veterans will no longer have to bring proof of their appointment or have a VA issued Health Identification Card each time they enter base. Instead, the veteran and their designated caregiver can enroll at the gate once using their Real ID qualified identification and submit to an electronic background check, according to a release put out by the VA.
The new rules became effective Nov. 1.
Until the new rules went into effect, veterans had to show a VA-issued caregiver patronage letter, a service-connected disability letter, or VA Health Eligibility Center Form H623A to enroll for installation access.
The new process comes as the VA is creating partnerships around the country to allow veterans to access active duty clinics. In the first agreement of its kind in Virginia, veterans have been allowed to use the VA clinic at Langley Air Force Base Hospital, along with dental care at the Langley Dental Services Building since May.
Veterans still have to enroll at each facility they want to access. Enrollment lasts one to three years, depending on the base.
The process does not cover shopping at the base exchanges or using programs sponsored by the Morale Welfare and Recreation facilities.
