VA Health and Benefits Mobile App a Sammies Finalist

The VA Health and Benefits mobile app is expanding access to VA. With more than 2 million downloads, the app connects Veterans with their care teams and with the benefits they’ve earned, anytime, anywhere.

Recently, recognizing the app’s value and critical role it plays in bringing new Veterans to VA and helping Veterans trust and thrive in VA, a nonpartisan, nonprofit group (Partnership for Public Service) selected the VA Health and Benefits mobile app Team as a 2024 Management Excellence finalist for the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals® (Sammies).

The Sammies are the premier awards program honoring excellence and innovation in federal service.

VA’s team was selected from among more than 530 nominations for building and launching the app, which enables Veterans everywhere to more easily manage appointments, view claims, message their doctor, refill prescriptions and more.

You Can Vote Daily for People’s Choice

Spotlighting the value of serving Veterans, families, and caregivers even further, the VA mobile app and team are also in the running for the People’s Choice Award,

Anyone can vote – once daily – through mid-June.

Your votes are not just a show of support but a recognition of the dedication and the importance of modernizing public service to better serve Veterans and their families.

Transforming Veteran Care

The VA Health and Benefits mobile app has become a lifeline for Veterans, offering seamless access to critical health care and benefits information, with over 2.2 million downloads. This app, born out of a commitment to an exceptional digital experience at VA, has evolved to meet the diverse needs of its users, particularly those with disabilities. Its impact on improving Veterans’ digital experience embodies the President’s vision of transforming the federal customer experience, making it more than just an app, but a testament to making government work better for the Nation’s heroes.

Deputy Chief Technology Officer Digital Experience Christopher Johnston’s leadership has been pivotal in developing a comprehensive digital solution for Veterans. The app’s successful launch on iOS and Android platforms has seen nearly a million monthly active users who use the app for secure messaging and prescription refills, among other services. While under Product Lead Rachel Han’s management, innovative features like Rx Refill and Secure Messaging have significantly enhanced the user experience. At the same time, Design Lead Ryan Thurlwell’s user-centric design approach has ensured an intuitive interface without compromising security.

“I am very proud of the VA Health and Benefits mobile app team for their focus on expanding and evolving mobile app features based on Veterans’ needs. This Sammies recognition underscores VA’s dedication to driving meaningful change and improving the lives of Veterans through cutting-edge technology”, explained Kurt DelBene, VA Chief Information Officer.

Since its inception in 2002, the Sammies have honored nearly 800 outstanding federal employees. The VA Health and Benefits mobile app is among 25 individuals or teams honored as 2024 Sammies finalists for their outstanding contributions to safety, public health and sustainability across our nation and the world. Visit the Sammies website for more information on the awards and the 2024 finalists.