Mileage Reimbursement for Workers’ Compensation Injuries

Mileage reimbursement for medical treatment arising from your workers’ compensation injury is available as part of your medical benefits in an accepted workers’ compensation case.  Whether you are traveling to see your workers’ compensation doctor or to the hospital or for physical therapy, you may be able to claim mileage reimbursement.  This lesser known benefit can really add up, especially if you are treating frequently for your injury or your medical providers are not located close to your home.  To claim mileage reimbursement, the insurance carrier will need to know the dates you saw the medical provider, which medical provider it was, and your round trip mileage.  If you are unsure of the dates you were treated, the billing office of the medical provider you saw may be able to give them to you.

The mileage reimbursement rate is established by the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission and has risen over the years as gas and travel expenses have increased.  For example, mileage sustained in 2009 and 2010 is reimbursable at 50.5 cents a mile.  The mileage reimbursement rate was again increased as of October 1, 2011.  For medical travel incurred after October 1, 2011, the mileage reimbursement rate is 55.5 cents a mile. 

You will generally need to request mileage reimbursement from the insurance carrier, or your attorney can request it for you.  The insurance carrier will not automatically provide this benefit.  As long as your case has not settled, there is no deadline for filing a mileage reimbursement claim with the insurance carrier.

You may wish to speak with a Virginia workers’ compensation attorney to learn more.  We invite you to contact us at 540-552-2052 to discuss your specific case, and the initial consultation is free.