FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas — Munson Army Health Center is encouraging beneficiaries—particularly military family members and retirees who may not have a Common Access Card—to establish their myAuth accounts now, before they urgently need to access health care information.
The Department of War is transitioning from DS Logon to myAuth, a modern digital credential designed to provide secure access to more than 200 Department of War and Department of Veterans Affairs websites.
myAuth provides multiple login options, multifactor authentication and improved account support. It also offers CAC-free access to participating websites, which is particularly important for family members, retirees and others who may not have a CAC or access to a CAC-enabled computer.
Earlier this month, the TriWest beneficiary portal transitioned to myAuth. TRICARE West Region beneficiaries now use myAuth instead of DS Logon, to log in to the portal, where they can check referrals and download authorization letters. myAuth will also eventually replace DS Logon for access to the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal as additional systems transition to the new credential.
Beneficiaries who have already established myAuth accounts reported varying experiences. Many completed the process without difficulty and were able to begin using their credentials immediately. The Defense Manpower Data Center previously reported a self-service account-creation success rate exceeding 99%.
Others encountered additional steps.
During one local test of the process, a beneficiary without a CAC first had to reestablish DS Logon access before using it to verify identity for myAuth. DS Logon accounts that have not been used for 180 days are automatically deactivated as a security measure.
After creating a myAuth account, the beneficiary tested the new credential but received repeated login errors. Several attempts resulted in the account being locked. The beneficiary contacted DMDC Support, completed a password reset and was then able to successfully access the account.
The experience highlights why beneficiaries should establish and test their accounts before they urgently need to check a referral, download an authorization letter or access other health information.
The identity-verification and multifactor-authentication requirements help safeguard personal and health information from unauthorized access.
Completing the process now also allows beneficiaries to use an active DS Logon account to verify their identity while that option remains available. Individuals without a CAC who wait until DS Logon is discontinued may have to complete additional identity-verification requirements.
The official myAuth Account Creation Guide provides separate instructions for users verifying their identity with a CAC and those using DS Logon. It also explains how to activate an account, establish a password and select additional security methods, including Okta Verify, Smart Card Authentication or an email one-time passcode.
Beneficiaries can view or download the official myAuth Account Creation Guide at https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/identitymanagement/help/assets/docs/myauth\_account\_creation\_guide.pdf and follow the process that applies to them.
Additional information, frequently asked questions and troubleshooting resources are available through the myAuth Help website.
For technical assistance, contact DMDC Support at tel:800-477-8227. Support is available 24/7.
Editor’s note: Individual account experiences are presented without attribution to protect beneficiary privacy and account security. No usernames, passwords, authentication methods or other account-specific information have been disclosed.