Mileage Rate for Medical and Medical-Legal Travel Expenses Increases Effective January 1, 2024
The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) is announcing the increase of the mileage rate for medical and medical-legal travel expenses by 1.5 cents to 67.0 cents per mile effective January 1, 2024. This rate must be paid for travel on or after January 1, 2024 regardless of the date of injury. Labor Code Section 4600, in conjunction with Government Code Section 19820 and the California Department of Human Resources regulations, establishes the rate payable for mileage reimbursement for medical and medical-legal expenses and ties it to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
This article will discuss the 2024 Medical Mileage Reimbursement Rate.
What was the Mileage Reimbursement Rate for 2024?
The medical mileage rate for 2021, was set at $65.5 cents per mile.
What About Mileage Reimbursements For Prior Years, Are They Going to Be Paid at That Rate?
Reimbursement rates are determined by the date that you incurred the mileage. Therefore, if you incurred mileage reimbursements for the year 2020, you should use 2020, date of injury rate.
What Are The Rates for Some of the Prior Years?
2023- $65.5
2022: 62.5, from 7/1/2022
2022- $.585 up to and including 6/30/22
2021- $.56
2020– $.575
2019 – $.58
2018 – $.545
2017 – $.535
2016 – $.54
2015 – $.575
What Mileage Is to Be Reimbursed?
Per the DIR, “[i]f you have to travel to get treatment for your work injury, you are entitled to re-payment of your travel costs. The mileage rate is 62.5 cents ($.62.5) per mile. Mileage for reasonable travel to the pharmacy, parking, bridge tolls, public transportation, and other travel-related costs are also included.”
You need to submit them to the carrier that is adjusting your claim. If you would like the form that you can use, click on the link below.
https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/I&A_mileageForm.pdf
The DIR also recommends that you should attach receipts. If your travel costs are not paid within 60 days, you should contact the carrier or your attorney to see if there is a problem.
Am I to Be Reimbursed for Attending a WCAB Hearing?
No. You are not allowed to be reimbursed for mileage and/or parking costs to attend a workers’ compensation hearing.
Am I to Be Reimbursed for Attending My Deposition?
Yes. You are entitled to be reimbursed for mileage and/or parking to attend your deposition.
If My Claim is Denied, Am I Entitled to Reimbursement?
No. For medical treatment when your claim is denied, you are not entitled to reimbursement. For your deposition or Medical Evaluation by an Agreed Medical Examiner or Qualified Medical Examiner, you are entitled to reimbursement. Frequently, Defense Attorney Law Firms or the Carrier issue payment in advance of these appointments. Should your claim later be accepted, you should submit your mileage in for reimbursement.
What if I Need Advice?
If you would like a free consultation regarding workers’ compensation, please contact the Law Offices of Edward J. Singer, a Professional Law Corporation. We have been helping people in Central and Southern California deal with their workers’ compensation cases for 27 years. Contact us today for more information.
