INSURANCE

Q: Have you heard anything about new identification cards being issued for Military Veterans? A: Beginning in November, 2017, the Veterans Affairs department will begin offering photo identification cards to honorably discharged Military Veterans. The new ID cards will help veterans prove they served in the United States Military, making it easier to take advantage of the many special offers available to them.

Currently, only veterans who are enrolled in the VA healthcare system or receive retirement pay have photo ID cards. Ohio also offers people the option of identifying themselves as veterans on their driver’s licenses. Many Vets who are not eligible for ID cards carry around their discharge papers (DD214), and risk losing these important documents along with the sensitive information they contain. The new cards will provide Veterans easily accessible proof of service.

Congress passed the Veterans Identification Act in 2015, directing the VA to issue new ID cards. The cards will include the name, photo and an identification number (NOT a Social Security number) of the Veteran. The law allows the VA to charge veterans a fee for the card, but according to a spokesperson for the VA, the cards will be available for free.

The cards are not an official government ID so they cannot be used as identification for air travel or as proof of age when shopping for cigarettes and beer.

Details about the application process will be made available on the VA website once the program is launched in November. More specific information is not available from the VA at this time.

This year, Veterans Day takes place on Saturday, November 11. If you are a Military Veteran, google Veterans Day Discounts. You will find many websites that will give you details on dozens of special offers and discounts being provided as a way to thank Veterans for their service to our county. The list includes Veterans Day free meals, free entrance to movies and attractions, free auto services, free haircuts and much more.

For questions concerning life, health, vision, dental, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplements or other insurance, please call me at 440-2555700 or email me at Lmutsko@mutskoinsurance.com. I look forward to serving you.