PASC advocating at the capital to save the Statewide Back-Up Provider System

On January 14, 2026, we attended the Disability Voices United rally at the steps of the state capital to advocate against cuts to health care, particularly in-home supportive services. Several advocates, agencies, and elected officials, including SEIU 2015, the California IHSS Consumer Alliance (CICA), the California Association of Public Authorities (CAPA), Assembly Member Mia Bonta, and Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, joined us at the state Capitol in Sacramento to oppose cuts to key health care programs, including In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). On January 9, 2026, the governor announced his proposed budget for this upcoming fiscal year, which eliminates the Statewide Back-Up Provider System (BUPS) for IHSS. 

(Health Care leaders and advocates rally at the State Capital to voice their concerns with cuts to essential programs which includes In-Home Supportive Services)





What is BUPS?

The Statewide Back-Up Provider System (BUPS) ensures In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) recipients have access to emergency back-up care when their regular provider is unavailable. BUPS prevents care disruptions that can lead to hospitalization, institutionalization, or unsafe living conditions.

Low program utilization throughout the state is the main reason they're proposing to eliminate BUPS. However, that does not accurately reflect Los Angeles County. 

(CAPA Executive Director Kim Rothschild, CICA Vice President Kate Laddish and PASC Executive Director Luis Bravo)

Why BUPS Matters

• IHSS serves 876,564 recipients statewide
• 70% of recipients rely on family providers, leaving 262,969 recipients statewide dependent on emergency back-up services when unable to find a provider
• Los Angeles County is the largest Public Authority, which serves 300,241 recipients
• A statewide emergency program protects health, safety, dignity, and independence.

(PASC Executive Director Luis Bravo with SEIU 2015)



Workforce Support

• Includes a $2/hour wage differential above the regular provider wage
• Helps recruit and retain providers during a workforce crisis
• Eliminating BUPS would increase the provider shortage and destabilize IHSS

Proven Cost Savings to the State

• Average ER visit cost: $3,000
• 648 emergency BUPS requests filled last fiscal year
• Avoided ER costs total $1.94 million
• Annual BUPS state funding for LA County - PASC: $450,000 – TOTAL - $900,000
• Result: BUPS saves the state over $1.5 million annually while protecting vulnerable Californians.

(Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas addressing the concerns California is facing)

Program Impact Since Inception

• 79,000+ calls for back-up related services
• 3,116 BUPS requests responded to
• 1,636 requests successfully filled
• LA County poll of BUPS providers maintained by verifying weekly availability
• Thousands of care disruptions prevented
• Seven dedicated PASC staff members to work one-on-one with recipients, providers, hospitals, social workers, and operate the emergency back-up call center

Bottom Line

BUPS is not optional. It protects IHSS recipients and health and safety, stabilizes the workforce, prevents unnecessary emergency room visits, and reduces costs to the State of California. Continued funding is critical.

(Disability Voices United)

Your Voice Matters!

If you are a provider or recipient who has utilized the Statewide Back-Up Provider System and would like to share your story, please click on the following link to submit your testimonial

Your Voice Matters: Survey on Elimination of BUPS Program - Intellistack

Sincerely,

Luis Bravo

Executive Director

Personal Assistance Services Council