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Impaired driver program provider warns proposed fee cuts could undermine services; recommends insurance or payment-plan options
Summary
An IDRP contractor told the Judiciary committee that lowering the program fee or cutting provider rates could force providers to drop contracts and reduce access. The provider said intake screening might be billable to insurance and that some programs already offer payment plans.
Rick Barnett, a licensed psychologist and founder of Carter, Inc., told the Judiciary committee on Jan. 30 that the state’s impaired driver rehabilitation program (IDRP) is effective but financially fragile and that cutting provider rates or program fees could force providers to withdraw from contracts and reduce access.
Barnett described the program as well-regarded by participants and diversion programs and said Carter offers flexible payment plans on a case-by-case basis. He noted a $400 program fee and a common intake fee of $180 for screening; he said that the intake screening could be billed to health insurers using behavioral-health billing codes in some cases, and that reimbursement rates for such services typically range around $140–$160.
"The short answer is hell yes" the program works, Barnett said, describing frequent participant feedback that the curriculum is valuable and that the program reduces recidivism risk. Barnett emphasized that several IDRP providers have already rescinded contracts in recent years and that further rate reductions would threaten program sustainability. He told the committee Carter can offer limited payment plans, but a statewide sliding scale without additional funding would likely be unsustainable.
Committee members asked whether the intake or evaluation portion could be covered by insurance; Barnett said he is paneled with Medicaid and major insurers and that an intake assessment could be billed under relevant CPT codes, though implementation would require administrative changes. He also noted providers' mixed capacity to offer payment plans and said a joint fiscal office analysis would be helpful to understand statewide impacts.
The committee said it will request a fiscal note and may solicit written testimony from victim-service or recovery organizations before final action. No formal vote was taken on IDRP funding or fee changes during the hearing.
