Letter to the editor: Health care website for veterans needs serious fixes

Commentary

OPINION:

I’ve been using MyHealtheVet — a website that gives us veterans access to our doctors, allows us to order medication online, etc. — for many years. However, I recently saw an implied threat in a secured message on my contact page. It stated that I may lose my access to the site if I fail to fill out a form by Jan. 31, 2025.

I tried twice to comply but ended up unsuccessful because the system is flawed.

There were several codes on different pages that were sent to my flip phone. I was supposed to enter these in fields online in order to continue. Once I did that, I was given another bunch of codes. Following that, I was required to upload a photo of my driver’s license for an ID.

Not having a smartphone, I wrote to my doctor, who referred me to the manager of MyHealtheVet in my area. I was told I had to go to the post office, where they would take a picture of me for the ID.

The problem there, as I see it, is the fact that on my license it states, “Not For Federal Identification.” I made reference to that flaw over and over on the phone, only to be ignored. As a former lawman, I’ve seen many counterfeit licenses, so I am not comfortable using my driver’s license as a sole means of identification.

I have a valid Veteran ID Card with my picture on it, which I use for appointments at our hospitals and clinics. It is already in the system. I asked why I couldn’t simply use that, but again got no response.

Veterans, be warned: I was ignored in all my attempts to fix this problem. We are on our own.