Veterans Affairs’ health, benefits app passes 3 million downloads

The Department of Veterans Affairs, based in Washington, D.C., has revealed that its Health and Benefits mobile app has surpassed 3 million downloads since its launch in 2021. As of now, the app has around 1.4 million active users, which is almost 20% of all veterans. This app offers veterans easy access to healthcare and benefits information through their mobile devices, with features like fingerprint and face recognition. Users can manage VA prescriptions, appointments, claims, appeals, payments, and even find nearby VA facilities. The app also provides access to the Veterans Crisis Line and allows users to verify their veteran status. Acting Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology and acting Chief Information Officer, Eddie Pool, has encouraged all VA-enrolled veterans to download the app to stay connected and informed. Currently, there are approximately 15.8 million veterans in the United States, with the majority having served during wartime. The Department of Veterans Affairs is the largest healthcare system in the country, employing around 482,000 individuals, including 500,000 staff at hospitals and 1,200 local clinics. Plans are in place to reduce the agency’s workforce by 83,000 positions.