Mileage Reimbursement: What to Know When Dealing with Insurance
Suffering an injury at work often means a challenging journey ahead filled with medical appointments, prescriptions, and possibly physical therapy. Adding to this stress is the necessity to travel to these medical appointments, incurring both mileage and fuel costs.
In this context, mileage reimbursement through workers’ compensation comes into play. Although designed to cover your travel costs related to medical care, the process is often rife with bureaucratic complexities such as forms, approvals, and stringent timelines.
Understanding these intricacies is crucial, especially when insurance companies make the reimbursement process more convoluted than it needs to be.
What the Law Says
Effective January 1, 2023, the IRS announced a new mileage reimbursement rate of $0.655 per mile, a notable increase from the $0.625 rate that was in place for the latter half of 2022 (as detailed in Internal Revenue Notice 2022-234, released on December 29, 2022). All state agencies are expected to abide by this new rate for travel expenses incurred on or after this date.
Furthermore, Oklahoma law still maintains the Trip Optimizer law, which is designed to determine the lowest cost of transportation for those traveling on state business. This new IRS rate of $0.655 is now the metric used for both mileage calculations and the OMES (Office of Management and Enterprise Services) mileage reimbursement amount, as cited in paragraphs E and F of 74 O.S. § 85.45l.
According to the Oklahoma Workers Compensation Commission, you are entitled to mileage reimbursement for travel related to medical treatment for a compensable injury. The rate per mile and the conditions for reimbursement are regulated by the commission. The importance of knowing the law cannot be overstated. It is your right to claim this reimbursement, and you should not miss out due to lack of information or understanding.
How Does Insurance Affect Mileage Reimbursement?
If you are injured in a car accident while driving for work, your insurance company may be responsible for paying your medical expenses and lost wages. However, your insurance company may also try to deny your claim if they believe that you were not using your vehicle for work-related purposes.
To avoid this, it is important to keep accurate records of your work-related mileage. You should also keep a copy of your employer’s policy on mileage reimbursement.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Mileage Reimbursement
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your mileage reimbursement:
- Keep accurate records of your work-related mileage. This includes the date, purpose of the trip, and odometer reading.
- Keep a copy of your employer’s policy on mileage reimbursement.
- Submit your mileage reimbursement requests promptly.
- Be prepared to provide documentation to support your claims.
If you have been injured in a car accident while driving for work, you should contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies have their own sets of rules and protocols when it comes to processing mileage reimbursement. It’s essential to send your properly filled-out forms to the right department and within the designated time frame. Typically, insurance companies will try to expedite the process, but delays can occur. If there is any dispute, consult an Oklahoma City workers compensation lawyer to guide you through the appeal process.
Securing Legal Assistance from Burton Law Group
At this point, you might wonder why you would need legal assistance for mileage reimbursement. The fact is that many people miss out on mileage reimbursements simply because they are unaware of their rights or because they have improperly filed their claims. A Tulsa workers comp attorney can guide you through the labyrinthine processes, ensuring that your claim is timely and correctly submitted.
Navigating through the maze of mileage reimbursement can be an arduous task, especially when you’re already dealing with the physical and emotional toll of an injury. It doesn’t have to be that way. By understanding your rights, keeping meticulous records, and choosing the right legal representation, you can streamline the process and ensure you get the reimbursement you deserve.
Here at the Burton Law Group, we offer comprehensive services that cover every aspect of workers’ compensation claims, including mileage reimbursement. Let us take the burden off your shoulders, guiding you through each step and making sure you get what you’re entitled to. Don’t navigate this complex system alone; let us help you make it a smooth journey.
Contact us today.