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County outlines Medi‑Cal transitional rent rollout; only two approvals so far as plans ramp up
Summary
Behavioral Health Services reported on a new Medi‑Cal transitional rent benefit that went live in January 2026; two approvals were reported and staff said processing is limited by a requirement that month‑seven ongoing funding be secured under current state/federal waiver rules.
The Behavioral Health Services Department reported to the committee on implementation of a Medi‑Cal transitional rent benefit that began in January 2026 as part of an 1115 federal waiver rollout. Courtney Gray, who presented for the department, said the county had two approved transitional rent cases to date and a number of additional referrals pending the completion of a required ‘‘housing support plan’’ that documents secured month‑seven funding.
Staff explained that the state‑federal waiver requires safeguards intended to avoid returning people to homelessness; one requirement is that plans show secured funding sources (for example an awarded voucher or commitment of county/partner funds) for ongoing assistance at month seven. That requirement has slowed approvals while referral partners complete housing plans and funding commitments. Staff said Santa Clara County is on par with or ahead of similar counties in referrals and approvals but acknowledged the benefit will require time to ramp up and continued coordination with managed care plans (Anthem, Blue Cross and Kaiser) that administer the benefit.
Supervisors asked for an update cadence and suggested an annual report to track outcomes. The committee voted to approve receipt of the report.
Why it matters: Transitional rent as a Medi‑Cal benefit aims to provide housing stability for people leaving hospitals or incarceration and can reduce future costs associated with homelessness and repeated crisis care. Implementation depends on state waiver rules and managed care plan processes, which currently require secured month‑seven funding before authorizing ongoing rent coverage.
The committee received the report and asked staff to return with trend updates to track pilot progress.
