The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a phased roll out of more secure veteran health ID cards with a new design. It said the new cards include additional security features and show a different look and feel, and can also be used as a typical health insurance card. The card displays the Veteran’s member ID, a new unique identifier, as well as a Plan ID, reflecting the Veteran’s enrollment in VA health care.
The VHIC is personalized to display the emblem of the veteran’s branch of service and includes key information such as VA phone numbers and emergency care instructions, said the VA. The card replaces the Veteran Identification Card – VIC, which was introduced in 2004. VA recommends veterans treat the new VICs as they would a credit card, and cut up or shred the card once it is replaced.
