MedicaidCoverageMedium impact
[California] Updated housing deposits for Managed Care members: $5,000 maximum — providers must update authorizations
Anthem BCBS·CA·Provider Bulletin
Effective date
Jun 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 3, 2026
Summary
Effective June 1, 2026, California Medicaid Managed Care (Anthem Blue Cross) updated the maximum authorization for Community Supports housing deposits to $5,000 per waiver period. The policy clarifies allowable expenses (application fees, security deposits, utility setup/first month costs, medically necessary adaptive aids, and basic household items) with new spending caps: $1,000 for the primary member, $500 per additional household member, and $2,500 maximum for all basic household items combined. Providers must update authorizations and referrals to reflect these new limits and eligibility requirements.
Action Required
By June 1, 2026: Billing and authorization teams must update all Community Supports housing deposit authorizations to reflect the new $5,000 maximum per waiver period and revised spending caps ($1,000 primary member, $500 per additional household member, $2,500 total for basic household items). Update authorization templates and referral forms to document household member composition and ensure expenses align with the updated allowable list (application fees, security deposits, utility deposits up to 3 months, first month utilities, medically necessary adaptive aids, and specified basic household items). Providers must verify members meet all eligibility criteria including having an individualized housing support plan, identified housing unit, and this being their first use of the benefit in the demonstration period. Failure to update authorizations may result in claim denials for amounts exceeding the new caps or for non-allowable expense categories.