Veterans Benefit Enhancement Project
If You Served, You Earned
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) veterans' enhancement project helps veterans who are receiving Medi-Cal services obtain veteran benefits they are entitled to. If you are a veteran and receiving Medi-Cal services, you and your family may also qualify for federal benefits such as:
- Pensions or Compensation
- Medical coverage
- Prescription drugs
- Medical devices
- Family BenefitS
If you are a qualified veteran who served in any branch of the U.S. Military, even if you do not see combat, using federal benefits may:
- Give you more benefits
- Save you money
- Improve your healthcare
- Protect your family’s assets. You will not have to pay back the federal government.
- Widows, widowers, children or dependents who are on Medi-Cal may also qualify.
DHCS’ mission is to preserve and improve the health status of all Californians. DHCS is helping veterans because they are entitled to receive federal benefits they have earned for their service to the nation. The community benefits because DHCS takes the money that is no longer needed for veterans and uses it on Medi-Cal services for those who need help in our communities.
Where to Start:
Step 1: Contact DHCS by email at vbe@dhcs.ca.gov for questions regarding the Veterans Benefit Enhancement Project and let us know that you are a veteran receiving Medi-Cal Services and that you would like to receive United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) benefits.
Step 2: DHCS will refer veterans and their families to the County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO) to establish what kind of benefits they may be entitled to. You can also find your local CVSO at www.cacvso.org
Step 3: The CVSOs will confirm the veteran and/or their family's USDVA eligibility and assist Medi-Cal Beneficiaries in applying for those benefits they have earned for their service to the nation.
Step 4: Once the veteran and/or family member has applied for USDVA benefits, please contact DHCS at vbe@dhcs.ca.gov and let us know your federal benefit status.
Partnerships and Contacts:
California Department of Veterans Affairs (Not DHCS)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Not DHCS)
County Veterans Service Organizations (Not DHCS)
Related Forms:
MC 05 (12/15) - Military Verification and Referral Form