Provider guide update for housing deposits

The purpose of this bulletin is to communicate changes to eligibility criteria for housing deposits in the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Community Supports Policy Guide.

Change to eligibility criteria

Any member who has a housing support plan, has received Housing Transition Navigation Services through a Community Supports (CS) program with Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem), or is enrolled in the Enhanced Care Management (ECM) benefit may be eligible for housing deposits. For example, an Individualized Housing Support Plan developed by any entity working with the member experiencing homelessness may be acceptable, regardless of whether that entity is a CalAIM ECM/CS contracted provider. These community-based entities may include street outreach providers, shelter or temporary housing programs, housing navigation providers through local Coordinated Entry Systems, Rapid Re-Housing providers, Permanent Supportive Housing providers, and others. Refer to the CS Policy Guide for more information and details on housing deposits.

Housing deposits

Housing deposits is one of 14 community supports offered for Anthem members enrolled in Medi-Cal Managed Care in the state of California. Housing deposits includes identifying, coordinating, securing, or funding one-time services and modifications necessary to enable a member to establish a basic household.

This includes funding to support:

• Security deposits required to obtain a lease on an apartment or home.
• Set-up fees/deposits for utilities, service access, and utility arrears (limited to three months).
• First month coverage of utilities, including but not limited to telephone, gas, electricity, heating, and water.
• Rent for first month and last month as required by a landlord for occupancy.
• Goods such as an air conditioner or heater, hospital beds, Hoyer lifts, air filters, and other medically necessary adaptive aids and services that ensure access, health, and safety for the individual upon move-in to the home.
• Other services necessary for member health and safety, such as pest eradication and one-time cleaning prior to occupancy.

To be eligible for housing deposits, a member must meet all of the following requirements:

• Basic eligibility criteria as outlined in the CS Policy Guide.
• Utilize this once-in-a-lifetime benefit for the first time.
• Have an Individualized Housing Support Plan and a referral.
• Have an identified housing unit for lease.

If you have any questions, reach out to your assigned regional program manager.

Contact us

Availity* Chat with Payer is available during normal business hours. Get answers to your questions about eligibility, benefits, authorizations, claims status, and more. To access Availity Essentials, go to availity.com and select the appropriate payer space tile from the drop-down. Then, select Chat with Payer and complete the pre-chat form to start your chat.

For additional support, visit the Contact Us section at the bottom of our provider website for the appropriate contact.