California’s proposed budget would eliminae the Back Up Provider System (BUPS), a $3 .5 million program that supplies emergency substitute caregivers for Medi‑Cal recipients. The move, part of a $319 million cut to In‑Home Support Services, threatens the independent living of tens of thousands of disabled and elderly residents, as illustrated by Dulce Garcia’s experience.

BUPS Saved a 43‑Year‑Old with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

When Dulce Garcia’s regular aide, Domingo Estela Ramirez, fell ill, BUPS dispatched a replacement within hours, allowing Garcia to attend a doctor’s appointment and keep her job as a patient advocate. According to the report, the program “proviides substitute caregivers for Medi‑Cal recipients” and was launched during the COVID‑19 pandemic to address caregiver shortages.

Governor Newsom’s $3.5 Million Elimination and the $319 Million Cuts

The budget plan , as reported, would save about $3.5 million by eliminating BUPS and cut In‑Home Support Services by roughly $319 million. Advocates warn that this would endanger tens of thousands of Medi‑Cal beneficiaries in Los Angeles County who rely on such services to live independently.

Who Will Fill the Gap? The Unnamed Replacement System

Disability rights groups question who will replace BUPS if the program is cut. The source does not name an alternative, leaving a critical gap in the state’s care infrastructure. The absence of a clear successor raises concerns about continuity of care for vulnerable residents.

Broader Trend: Pandemic‑Era Safety Nets Under Threat

BUPS was created to mitigate caregiver shortages that surged during the pandemic.. Its potential elimination signals a shift away from emergency safety nets that have become essential for many Californians, echoing similar cuts in other states’ Medicaid programs.

Open Question: What is the Human Cost of the Fiscal Decision?

While the budget aims to save money, the report highlights that the human cost could be high. How many families will lose critical support, and how will that affect their health outcomes? The source reports concerns but does not quantify the impact .