CurrentHealth NetPolicy N/A

Housing Deposit (one-time housing supports)

Defines eligibility, covered goods/services, documentation, authorization, limits and provider requirements for one-time housing deposit and move-in supports for Health Net/CalViva Medi-Cal members in California.

Policy Summary

PayerHealth Net

PolicyHousing Deposit (one-time housing supports)

Policy CodePolicy N/A

Change TypeNo material changes

Effective Date

Next Review Date

Key ActionSubmit the Housing Deposit Referral Form, housing support plan and supporting documentation (lease, invoices, DME denial if applicable, Security Deposit Exemption Form) to request authorization.

SourceLink

POLICY UPDATE CHANGES

No material clinical or coverage changes in this revision.

$6,000total lifetime maximum per member

12 monthsinitial authorization length

30 daystimeframe to request items after lease move-in date (some utility statements 60 days)

onceservices available during the demonstration period

Member eligibility and service necessity

Member eligibility criteria

Members must meet at least one set of the following and have an individualized housing support plan that documents need for requested items.

ANY of the following

Individuals who received Housing Transition Navigation Services in counties that offer this service.
Individuals who are prioritized for a permanent supportive housing unit or rental subsidy through the local homeless Coordinated Entry System or similar system.
Members with chronic conditions and/or serious mental illness, institutionalization or requiring residential services because of a substance use disorder and/or exiting incarceration.
Individuals who meet HUD definition of homeless (24 CFR §91.5) and who are receiving enhanced care management, or who have one or more serious chronic conditions and/or serious mental illness and/or are at risk of institutionalization or requiring residential services due to a substance use disorder.

Policy Summary

PayerHealth Net

PolicyHousing Deposit (one-time housing supports)

Policy CodePolicy N/A

Change TypeNo material changes

Effective Date

Next Review Date

SourceLink

On This Page

Authorization, documentation and billing rules

Documentation Required

Required documentation for authorization

Submit the Housing Deposit Referral Form, the member's housing support plan, and supporting verification documents with the authorization request.

Housing Deposit Referral Form
Housing support plan
Lease agreement
Medi‑Cal durable medical equipment (DME) denial letter (if applicable)
Invoice for cleaning/pest service
Security Deposit Exemption Form (if necessary)
Other documents as needed to verify eligibility and need

Prior Authorization

Authorization timing and extensions

Request authorization before or after move-in as allowed and note the length and extension process for approvals.

Initial authorization is for 12 months.
Items must be requested within 30 calendar days of the lease move-in date (utility statements may be accepted up to 60 days).
Providers may request authorization prior to move-in for items such as application fees or goods.
If an extension is needed, submit a new authorization and referral form; extensions are approved in 90‑day increments.

Billing Rule

Frequency and limits

Follow limits on frequency and excluded charges when billing for Housing Deposit services.

Housing Deposit services are available once during the demonstration period (may be approved one additional time with documentation showing changed conditions).
First month and last month's rent are not covered.
Security deposits cannot exceed amounts prohibited by California Civil Code section 1950.5 (generally not more than one month's rent, with limited exceptions).

Documentation Required

Time-limited requests

Submit requests for any additional items needed after move-in within the stated post‑move‑in timeframe.

Further items needed post-move-in must be requested within 30 days of the documented lease move-in date.

Eligible providers and scope

Providers must demonstrate experience and expertise in housing-related services and deliver care in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner using recognized best practices. Examples of qualified providers include interim housing facilities with on-site supports, shelter beds with additional on-site support, converted homes with support, county-operated or contracted recuperative care facilities, supportive housing providers, county agencies, public hospital systems, social service agencies, and other providers serving individuals experiencing homelessness.

Provider responsibilities include using best practices when rendering services and coordinating required documentation and authorizations for one-time Housing Deposit supports such as security deposits, setup fees/deposits for utilities, utility arrears, application fees, medically necessary goods for health and safety, and one-time cleaning/pest eradication or minor repairs to meet habitability standards.

Program scope and key notes

This policy applies to Health Net/CalViva Medi‑Cal members in California and defines eligibility, covered one-time goods and services to establish a basic household, required documentation, authorization timing, limits, and provider requirements for Housing Deposits. The program covers items such as security deposits (subject to California Civil Code limits), setup fees or deposits for utilities, utility arrears, first‑month utility coverage, application fees, goods necessary for health and safety, and necessary cleaning/pest eradication or minor habitability repairs. The total lifetime maximum per member is $6,000.

Initial authorization is for 12 months. Items related to move-in must be requested within 30 calendar days of the lease move-in date (some utility statements may be accepted up to 60 days). Providers may request authorization prior to move-in for certain items such as application fees or goods. If an extension is needed, providers must submit a new authorization and referral form; extensions are approved in 90‑day increments.

Housing Deposit services are available once during the demonstration period, although they may be approved one additional time only when documentation demonstrates changed conditions that justify a second attempt. CalViva Health is a licensed California plan serving Medi‑Cal enrollees in Fresno, Kings and Madera counties and contracts with Health Net Community Solutions to provide and arrange network services, so program operations and referrals will follow that contracting structure.

Definitions used in this policy

Defined terms

Housing DepositOne-time services and goods to enable a person to establish a basic household, including security deposits, setup fees/deposits for utilities, utility arrears, first-month utility coverage, application fees, goods necessary for health and safety (e.g., air conditioner/heater, medically necessary adaptive aids when not available under Medi‑Cal), and necessary cleaning/pest eradication or minor repairs to meet habitability standards.

Housing support planAn individualized plan documenting the member's housing needs and identifying reasonable and necessary services and goods for Housing Deposit authorization.

OpenPayer

Housing Deposit (one-time housing supports)

Member eligibility and service necessity

Billing codes and classification

Authorization, documentation and billing rules

Eligible providers and scope

Program scope and key notes

Definitions used in this policy

At-a-glance limits and timeframes

Policy updates