Coverage of Mandatory Drivers’ Medical Exam Fees for Albertans Aged 75 and Older

In 2020, the Government of Alberta removed mandatory driver medical exams from the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) as a cost-saving measure. Amongst the reasons cited for the change was that Alberta was the only province to cover such costs.

Alberta’s 2024-25 budget contains measures intended to assist seniors with rising costs, including a 25% reduction in personal registry services and a 25% coverage of the cost of mandatory medical exams. These programs are acknowledged and commended by the movers of this resolution as a meaningful step that will reduce the cost of living and help to maintain the independence of Alberta’s seniors. 

Given the recent and unprecedented rise in the cost of living, and the disproportionate affect that cost of living increases have on people as they age and are more likely to rely on a fixed income, however, it is requested that the Government of Alberta consider resuming its position as a leader in providing access to mandatory drivers’ medical exams for its residents aged 75 years and older. 

Mandatory drivers’ medical exams are required at the age of 75, 80, and every two years thereafter. The requirements for such mandatory drivers’ exams are, of course, reasonable given that changes in people’s health can impact their ability to drive safely and are more likely to occur as people age. 

The costs, however, are not consistent across the province and can range up to $150, a 75% increase over the rate that was covered under the AHCIP, which was $85.58. The movers of this resolution feel that it is in our province’s best interest to ensure that each Albertan can live as independently as possible where they are able and willing to do so. Significant fees for mandatory drivers’ medical exams can represent a barrier to maintaining a driver’s license for healthy Albertan’s aged 75 and older who would otherwise be medically cleared to drive. 

The Government of Alberta has noted that the population of seniors in Alberta continues to rise faster than any other age group. According to the Government of Alberta’s website, in September 2022, there were 725,000 Albertans over the age of 65 years. That number is expected to double by 2042. Ensuring that Albertans aged 75 and up can afford to maintain their driver’s license will also ensure that a greater number of Albertans are able to remain active participants in the communities in which they plan to age. Maintaining independence will mitigate social isolation and exclusion, which the Government of Alberta notes “… can be a significant issue for many seniors and can lead to negative health effects including depression and a reduced sense of well-being.”  (https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-resources)

The benefits of independence and independent mobility that come with maintaining a driver’s license are magnified in the context of rural and remote communities. Many seniors living in a rural or remote context must travel to Alberta’s larger centres for health care appointments. If these trips cannot be made independently, the burden often falls on public services or more expensive private transportation options.