The workers’ comp programs of most states, including North Carolina, offer some mileage reimbursement benefits for injured employees. This benefit aims to provide financial assistance in the form of reimbursement for any travel expenses incurred while getting medical treatment for an occupational illness or work-related injury.
However, standard mileage rates have changed in the past few years, and distance minimums for mileage reimbursement eligibility. With this article, you’ll learn about workers comp mileage reimbursement.
Workers Comp Mileage Reimbursement: Is It Included?
Generally speaking, if you get injured at work, it is up to your employer to choose which doctor to take you to. Your employer is likewise liable for covering any medical expenses related to your treatment. You are entitled to reimbursement for a reasonable cost of travel if the chosen doctor, radiology, therapy, testing visits, or any other treatment-related visits are located beyond the area of your employment.
Remember to log your mileage every time you travel outside the county of your employment for any of your medical treatments or purchase of prescribed medication. This way, you’ll have a supporting document to support your reimbursement claim.
Additionally, secure a medical report from your treating physician regarding the symptoms of your medical condition that warrant the treatment visits. This will help you and your insurance provider to keep accurate and truthful records of your travel expenses and mileage.
If you were not informed of your employer’s insurance provider regarding your mileage reimbursement benefits, you must immediately approach your employer or their representative. You may also request a mileage reimbursement form for this purpose.
Mileage Reimbursement In 2023: How Much Do You Get?
Your transportation costs can be reimbursed if you need to drive and travel to another country to get treated. Mileage reimbursement may include bridge tolls and parking fees acquired during trading to your physician, hospital, or pharmacy.
Depending on the date of transportation, standard mileage rates are as follows:
| As of or after Jan. 1, 2023 | $0.655 |
| As of or after July 1, 2022 | $0.625 |
| As of or after Jan. 1, 2022 | $0.585 |
| As of or after Jan. 1, 2021 | $0.56 |
| As of or after Jan. 1, 2020 | $0.575 |
| As of or after Jan. 1, 2019 | $0.58 |
| As of or after Jan. 1, 2018 | $0.545 |
| As of or after Jan. 1, 2017 | $0.535 |
What Travel Expenses Are Covered By Mileage Reimbursement
Depending on your state’s laws and rules on mileage reimbursement, coverage for treatment-related travel expenses for workers’ comp benefits may vary. However, they usually include the following:
- Mileage
- Lodging fees
- Meals while on travel
- Bus fares
- Train ticket
- Freeway tolls
- Parking fees
- Bridge tolls
If you spend money on any kind of travel expense during the treatment of your work-related injury, it is advisable to keep your receipts for documentation. Also, you may reach out to your state’s agency regarding the rules for workers’ comp benefits and mileage reimbursements.
How To Get Workers' Compensation Mileage Reimbursement
You must provide the necessary supporting documentation to your workers' compensation insurance provider in order to be reimbursed.
Maintaining a mileage journal will help track how far you travel to see your doctor, therapist, or other approved workers' compensation medical treatment.
Standard mileage reimbursement forms are offered by workers' compensation offices in several states and can be utilized for this purpose. These forms are also available for download from your local agency's website.
Regularly submit your mileage reimbursement form and any other related receipts for travel costs, including highway tolls or parking tickets, to the insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding mileage reimbursement under workers’ compensation.
Is mileage reimbursement tax-deductible?
Yes, tax deductions apply to mileage reimbursements based on the federal mileage rate. In 2023, the standard mileage rate will be 65.5 cents. Keep in mind, however, that reimbursements are not taxable for employees because they are not regarded as income. They only become tax-deductible when employers or insurance companies provide a greater amount than the standard federal mileage rate. The difference is now considered taxable income.
Am I required to reimburse my employees?
Despite various state rules, no federal legislation requires you to pay your employees for using their personal vehicles for job-related purposes. However, companies and employers must compensate employees for approved workers' compensation treatment visits or work-related mileage and expenses in California, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Illinois.
How are mileage reimbursements calculated?
The mileage reimbursement rate is determined by a yearly analysis of the variable and constant expenses associated with running a car, such as insurance, depreciation, and routine maintenance. You can choose to reimburse your employees at a higher or lower rate since you are not required to adhere to the IRS’ workers’ comp mileage reimbursement rate.
Check out the other benefits that come with workers’ compensation insurance in this article from Disability Help.
