The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) have announced updates to the process for Veterans and eligible caregivers accessing military installations. These changes, effective from November 1, 2024, aim to streamline access for medical appointments, shopping, and certain morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) services.
Under the new system, Veteran and caregiver eligibility will be electronically verified during the installation access process. Eligible Veterans without a VA-issued Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), as well as eligible caregivers, can now enroll at visitor centers using a REAL ID Act-compliant driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card. The requirement to present additional documents such as a VA-issued caregiver patronage letter or service-connected disability letter has been removed.
These updates are part of ongoing efforts by the VA, DOD, and the Biden-Harris Administration to enhance care and benefits for Veterans. "DOD installations provide numerous benefits and critical services to our nation’s Veterans," said VA Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher. She expressed gratitude for the partnership with DOD in implementing these changes.
Ashish S. Vazirani, performing duties as Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, emphasized the importance of a smooth experience for Veterans and their caregivers accessing installations: "We are glad to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs on this initiative."
To gain reoccurring installation access, eligible individuals must establish identity using an acceptable credential like VHIC or REAL ID on their first visit to each DOD installation's visitor center. They will also undergo checks for criminal records and terrorism links to establish fitness. Eligibility verification is done electronically; however, proof of appointment may be required if health care is sought at facilities without commissary or exchange services.
Once enrolled, access is granted by presenting the same VHIC or REAL ID used during enrollment at installation gates. Enrollment typically lasts one to three years but requires reenrollment upon expiration of credentials.
Despite these updates, hard copy letters remain necessary for eligibility verification at commissaries and exchanges since these facilities cannot verify electronically. Eligible caregivers under VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers are those designated as primary family caregivers.
The continued collaboration between VA and DOD has recently expanded health care access in regions including Alabama, Florida's Gulf Coast and Tampa areas, Kentucky, New York's Hudson Valley region, Tennessee, and Virginia.
For more information on commissary and exchange privileges or further assistance regarding installation access procedures, Veterans are encouraged to contact local installations or visit www.militaryonesource.mil.
