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Lawmakers weigh 988 center designation and future of Medi‑Cal mobile crisis benefit as counties warn of cuts
Summary
DHCS proposed trailer‑bill language to designate 988 centers and requested state and local assistance funding; it also proposed making the ARPA‑funded Medi‑Cal mobile crisis benefit optional by county after federal match ends, prompting county and provider testimony warning of service losses and urging sustained statewide funding.
Department of Health Care Services officials told the subcommittee they intend to create a statewide designation process for California's 988 suicide and crisis lifeline centers, strengthen performance standards, and seek additional state and local assistance to support center operations and anticipated workload increases.
"We are proposing that this process be implemented no sooner than 10/01/2027," Deputy Director Paula Wilhelm said, describing a DHCS budget change proposal that includes local assistance authority of roughly $19.46 million annually plus state staffing and consultant support for the designation work and ongoing oversight.
DHCS also proposed trailer‑bill language to preserve the mobile crisis services benefit after the temporary ARPA enhanced federal match…
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