MedicaidPrior AuthMedium impact
26-148 Transitional Rent Benefit Now Available for Medi-Cal Members with Behavioral Health Needs
Health Net·CA · Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine·Prior Authorization
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Effective January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal members with behavioral health needs can receive up to six months of Transitional Rent assistance for housing stability. This benefit requires prior authorization and can only be provided by contracted Transitional Rent providers through a specific referral process.
Action Required
By January 1, 2026: Providers must learn the 3-step eligibility and referral process for Transitional Rent. Step 1: Verify members meet clinical risk factors (Specialty Mental Health or Drug Medi-Cal access), social risk factors (homelessness), and transitional requirements. Step 2: Create Housing Support Plan or refer through Findhelp for navigation services. Step 3: Refer to contracted Transitional Rent providers who will submit prior authorization forms. Only contracted providers can bill for this service - billing team should identify if practice wants to become a contracted provider.