Effective January 1, 2016, the reimbursement rate for workers compensation related travel has been decreased significantly from 57.5 cents per mile to 54 cents per mile.
Injured workers are eligible for mileage allowance under NAC 616C.150. Mileage is eligible for reimbursement if the injured worker
- is traveling to a doctor’s appointment related to his or her workers compensation claim (this includes physical therapy); and
- is using a private vehicle; and
- travels 20 miles or more one way; or
- travels 40 miles or more within one week
In order to be reimbursed for eligible travel expenses, the injured worker must fill out a D-26 ‘Application for Reimbursement of Claim Related Travel Expenses’ and submit it to the adjuster. Mileage expenses must be submitted within 60 days of the travel date.
There are a couple of things you can do to make reimbursement as simple as possible for yourself, as well as your adjuster.
- Fill out one reimbursement form for each month. Submitting multiple forms at separate times throughout the month makes it more difficult for your adjuster to calculate the expenses, and may delay your reimbursement check;
- Use MapQuest or Google Maps to calculate the mileage. Your adjuster will double check the distance using one of these sites;
- When following up with your adjuster for mileage reimbursement check, have a copy of the request on hand. Knowing the dates that the request covered will help your adjuster know exactly which expenses you are referring to. Keep in mind that the insurance company has 30 days to issue a mileage reimbursement check. Generally, the check goes out in the mail the day after it is issued.
