Costs of the Program

Our fee structure is as follows:

• $400 for the comprehensive two half-day evaluation
• $200 for returning clients, who are in need of re-assessments
  Reassessments may be beneficial in determining interval progress as a result of treatment and/or rehabilitation.  Reassessments can also identify whether changes in one's health condition has impacted the ability to continue to drive safely.

Coverage

Insurance usually does not cover driving evaluations. For the most part, there are essentially two programs that consistently pay for driving assessments and driver rehabilitation services, namely Worker's Compensation and the Vocational Rehabilitation program.  Unfortunately, many older drivers do not quality for either program, and insurance coverage from Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies is variable.  In general, Medicare does not reimburse for driving services.  As a result, with insurance companies typically not paying for the cost of this evaluation, the evaluation fee will be required at the time of the assessment.  However, given the present state of the economy and reduced income experienced by retirees, we would like to offer a sliding fee discount program. 

Sliding Fee Discount Program

This discount program is based on verification of an individual's income and household size.  Depending on the calculations, a percentage of the service fee is waived.  In order to qualify for a reduced fee, you need to ask for a Sliding Fee Discount Application.  The availability of the Sliding Fee Discount Program for each of the Carls Center's clinics and services is reviewed on an annual basis.  The discount program is available for the following programs:

• Psychology
• Driving Evaluation and Education Research (DEER)

How do I Apply?

1. Ask for the discount application or download the application from this website
2. Complete the application, or ask someone from the Carls Center to help you with processing it.
3. Either bring the application with you when you arrive for your appointment
   or mail it to the following address:
   Carls Center for Clinical Care & Education
   Attention:  DEER
   CMU, 1101 Health Professions Building
   Mount Pleasant, MI  48859
   
4. Provide evidence of your present income for all family members.
   Examples of income include:
   • Recent paycheck stub or statement from employer
   • Copy of bank statement verifying direct deposit or printout of benefits from the Social Security Administration
   • Unemployment Checks received
   • Public Assistance received or a Social Security Award Letter
   • Child Support received
   • Alimony received
   • Pension checks received
   • Worker's Compensation checks received
   • Land Contract payments
   • Most Recent Year's Income Tax Return
   • Financial Aid/Pell Grant Information if you are a student
   • Verification from any non-profit 501(c)(3) organization or social service agency (such as DHHS, Commission on Aging, United Way, Listening Ear, Salvation Army, your Church... ) on their letterhead.

Please contact the Carls Center at (989) 774-3904 if you have any questions concerning the cost of your care or you would like to be considered for the sliding fee discount.

Why Are Driving Safety Programs Expensive to Run?

Besides trained clinicians and examination tools, the training cars or car simulators are pricey. At least we can keep some costs down, since the driving simulator does not run on gas!

Many driving safety programs are sponsored by rehabilitation centers, hospitals, medical centers and agencies, and D.E.E.R. is fortunate to be based in a university clinic setting. Driving evaluation and safety programs can cost from $200 to $1,000, but we have discounted our services markedly as a result of generous research grants, AAA Michigan donations, and Central Michigan University funds supporting this important community resource.

For the most part, there are essentially two programs that consistently pay for driving assessments and driver rehabilitation services, namely Worker's Compensation and the Vocational Rehabilitation program. Unfortunately, many older drivers do not qualify for either program, and insurance coverage from Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies is variable. In general, Medicare does not reimburse for driving services. Private insurance companies, often basing their coverage on Medicare's covered services, also act accordingly.

Regardless, look at this driving safety evaluation program as an investment...

• For personal safety.
• For family safety, peace of mind and happiness.
• For safety of others in the community.

The cost of trauma and possible disability as a result of a preventable accident cost significantly more than this program