MedicaidPrior AuthMedium impact
26-004 New Transitional Rent Benefit Helps Stabilize Housing 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
Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley is introducing a new Transitional Rent benefit starting January 1, 2026, providing up to 6 months of rental assistance for Medi-Cal members with behavioral health needs. This new benefit requires prior authorization and automatically triggers authorization for Enhanced Care Management and Housing Trio services.
Action Required
By January 1, 2026: Billing team must implement prior authorization workflow for new Transitional Rent benefit requests. Submit Transitional Rent Authorization Form with supporting documentation via provider portal or fax to 800-743-1655. Allow 7 calendar days for routine authorization. Update system to automatically authorize Enhanced Care Management and Housing Trio services when Transitional Rent is approved. Train staff on eligibility criteria for behavioral health members experiencing homelessness.