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AB 2138

Medi-Cal: enhanced care management: peer support specialists.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Maggy Krell

AB 2138 would add peer support specialists as a covered Medi-Cal service to expand mental health and substance use disorder care in California.

From printer. May be heard in committee March 21.
#medi-cal #enhancedcaremanagement #peersupportspecialists
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Bill Summary · AB 2138

Legislative bill overview

AB 2138 would expand Medi-Cal's enhanced care management services to include peer support specialists—individuals with lived experience of mental health or substance use conditions who provide support to others facing similar challenges. The bill aims to integrate peer support as a covered service within California's Medicaid program, potentially improving access to recovery-oriented care.

Why is this important

Peer support specialists have demonstrated effectiveness in improving health outcomes, reducing hospitalizations, and enhancing engagement in treatment, particularly for vulnerable populations. This change could increase care capacity while reducing costs by leveraging trained individuals with authentic experience in recovery, addressing California's significant mental health and substance use service gaps.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and reimbursement rates: Questions about how peer specialists would be compensated compared to licensed clinicians, and whether rates are adequate to build a sustainable workforce
  • Licensure and training standards: Debate over what qualifications peer specialists need, how they're certified, and whether standards vary or remain consistent statewide
  • Integration with existing care: Concerns about coordination with licensed providers, role clarity, and whether peer support substitutes for or supplements professional mental health treatment
  • Program costs and funding: Uncertainty about total fiscal impact on Medi-Cal budget and whether savings from reduced hospitalizations materialize as projected

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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