The Provincial Government is now covering the cost for drivers’ medicals for seniors 75 years of age or older in Newfoundland and Labrador. Effective immediately, physicians will now bill MCP directly for this service instead of charging patients.
Coverage for age-related driver medical examinations is retroactive to April 1, 2023. Seniors who have been charged for this service will be reimbursed up to the $100 amount of the fee code established by government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association.
To be eligible for reimbursement, seniors must provide a receipt indicating that an age-related Driver’s Medical Examination was provided and paid for on or after April 1, 2023. Examinations not related to age, as well as all examinations prior to April 1, 2023, are not covered.
Seniors may complete the reimbursement form and mail it with the receipt from the physician to:
Drivers’ Medicals Reimbursement
Department of Health and Community Services
Medical Services Division
1st Floor, Confederation Complex
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s NL A1B 4J6
Anyone who has been charged for this service and has questions about the process or reimbursement may contact the Department of Health and Community Services by email or telephone:
- Email: driversmedicals@gov.nl.ca
- Telephone: 1-833-864-0223
Please include your name and contact information and be prepared to leave a message. Calls will be returned within three business days.
In Budget 2023, government invested $1.3 million to cover the cost of driver medical examinations for people 75 years of age and older, an initiative that supports continued independence for seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador. This coverage addresses another recommendation of the Seniors’ Advocate report Long May Your Big Jib Draw: Setting Sail.
Quotes
“The unavailability of transportation services or losing one’s ability to drive can be one of the greatest contributors to loss of independence and social isolation. By removing this financial barrier and covering the cost of driver medicals for people aged 75 and older, we are committed to providing independence and protecting the lives of those behind the wheel and the well-being of our communities throughout the province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
“The NLMA commends the Provincial Government for its decision to cover the cost of mandatory Driver’s Medical Examinations for seniors 75 and older. Insuring this service under MCP reduces financial barriers for seniors on fixed incomes and improves quality of life by enabling seniors to maintain their independence. It also promotes compliance with medical assessments that can identify health issues that may affect a person’s ability to drive.”
Dr. Gerard Farrell
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association
“Newfoundland and Labrador seniors are fiercely independent and often the caregivers, leaders and volunteers in their communities. With limited public transportation, it is critically important that seniors who are able to drive are supported to do so. Many seniors told me that with the high cost of living they could not afford to pay for the medical required to continue driving. To support the well-being of seniors and prevent isolation, the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate recommended that the Drivers Medicals cost for seniors be covered under the MCP system. I am most pleased that government has accepted and implemented this recommendation.”
Susan Walsh
Seniors’ Advocate NL
“A key component of achieving health and well-being for seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador, as highlighted by Health Accord NL, is ensuring inclusion and accessibility for all residents and building an age-friendly province. Covering the cost of driver medicals for seniors will contribute significantly towards protecting their independence and inclusion, and positively impact their overall well-being and quality of life.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors, and Social Development
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