26-464 On Hold – IHSS Application Requirements and Daily Limits for Personal Care and Homemaker Services

Date: 04/13/26

Previously announced changes to the authorization documents will not take effect

On March 16, 2026, Health Net, on behalf of Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley, issued provider update 26-325, Updated IHSS Application Requirements. That update announced a new three‑month time limit for pending In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) applications related to Personal Care and Homemaker Services, with an effective date of May 18, 2026.

Additionally, on January 20, 2026, the Plan issued provider update 26-038, Updated Personal Care and Homemaker Authorization Form: Requests Are Limited to 10 Hours Daily. The update announced a new 10-hour daily limit to provider requests with an effective date of March 25, 2026.

These changes are now on hold

• The new IHSS application timeline requirements will not take effect on May 18, 2026.
• The new 10-hour daily limit did not take effect on March 25, 2026.

What this means for you

• There is no change at this time to IHSS application timelines or the maximum daily limit of provider requests.
• Providers should continue to follow current requirements for Personal Care and Homemaker Services.
• No additional action is required unless notified otherwise.

Next steps

The Plan will issue a future communication if and when a new implementation date is established. Continue to watch for provider updates for additional guidance.

 

This information applies to Physicians, Practitioners, Participating Physician Groups (PPGs), Hospitals, Ancillary Providers, Community Supports (CS) Providers, Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Providers, and Behavioral Health Providers.

This information applies to Medi-Cal in Imperial County.