Recovering from an injury is not cheap—victims can incur a number of expenses, including traveling expenses, during their recovery. Fortunately, if the injury is work-related, these expenses should be covered by the workers’ compensation system. But, will workers’ compensation cover all the costs, including traveling expenses, you incurred? Here’s what you need to know:
Does the Workers’ Compensation System Cover Travel Expenses?
The workers’ compensation system does cover travel expenses that are related to a victim’s treatment. But, there are certain limits. According to OK Stat § 85A-50, an injured worker is entitled to compensation for traveling expenses when he must travel more than 20 miles round-trip to receive treatment or undergo an independent medical examination. If the injured worker travels less than 20 miles round-trip, he does not qualify for compensation for his travel expenses. Furthermore, the law puts restrictions on how far an injured worker can travel for his treatment. The workers’ compensation system will not cover travel expenses when the distance traveled exceeds 600 miles round-trip.
It’s also important to note that the law specifically states that the treatment the worker is traveling to receive must be reasonable and necessary. If the injured worker is traveling a great distance to receive a questionable form of treatment, the workers’ compensation system may not award him benefits for these expenses.
How Injured Workers Are Compensated For Travel Expenses
It’s important to understand how the workers’ compensation system determines how much you are entitled to for your travel expenses. The reimbursement rate is calculated using the guidelines in the State Travel Reimbursement Act. The rates vary from year-to-year, but in 2016, the standard rate was $0.445 per mile. This means if you are entitled to compensation for a 20-mile trip, the workers’ compensation system will award you $8.90.
It’s in your best interest to keep track of the trips you take to visit healthcare providers and attend independent medical examinations. Use a journal to record the dates and distances traveled for each of these appointments. This is the only way to ensure you are fairly compensated for the miles you’ve traveled as part of your recovery.
Have you been injured at work? If so, the experienced attorneys at Armstrong Law Firm can help. We help injured workers recover every dollar of compensation they are owed through the workers’ compensation system. Call us at (918) 582-2500 or toll-free at (800) 722-8880 or complete the simple form below for a free consultation with a skilled attorney.
FAQs Related to Reimbursement for Traveling Expenses While Treating a Work-Related Injury
1. Does workers’ compensation in Oklahoma cover travel expenses for medical treatment?
Yes, workers’ compensation covers travel expenses related to medical treatment or independent medical examinations, but only if the round-trip distance is more than 20 miles and the treatment is deemed reasonable and necessary.
2. What is the maximum distance for which traveling expenses are reimbursed?
Workers’ compensation will not reimburse travel expenses for trips that exceed 600 miles round-trip, even if the treatment is otherwise eligible.
3. How is mileage reimbursement calculated?
Reimbursement is based on the State Travel Reimbursement Act. For example, in 2016, the reimbursement rate was $0.445 per mile, meaning a 20-mile trip would earn $8.90 in compensation.
4. What types of medical appointments qualify for travel reimbursement?
Travel to receive reasonable and necessary treatment or to attend an independent medical examination qualifies. However, travel for questionable or non-standard treatments may not be covered.
5. How can I make sure I get reimbursed for my travel expenses?
Keep a detailed log of all trips related to your treatment, including dates, distances, and purpose of each visit. This documentation is essential to ensure you receive full reimbursement.
