If you are injured on the job, you might know that your medical bills and lost wages will be paid through your state workers’ comp system. But did you also know that you can get reimbursed for other out-of-pocket expenses that you incur as a result of your injury? Read on to learn about the lesser-known expenses that your employer or its insurance company should be reimbursing you for.
If you have to travel to get medical treatment for your work injury—for example to attend a doctor’s appointment or a rehabilitation appointment—you can get reimbursed for your mileage in most states. In some states, you can get reimbursed for any miles driven to and from these appointments. However, other states have specific restrictions on mileage reimbursement. For example, in Oklahoma, you are eligible for mileage reimbursement only when you travel in excess of 20 miles round trip.
Many states require insurance companies to reimburse you at the mileage rate set by the IRS, which changes from year to year. The rate for 2016 is 54 cents per mile. Other states, such as Alabama, set their own mileage reimbursement rates, which can typically be found on the state’s workers’ compensation agency website. The mileage reimbursement rate is intended to cover the cost of gas and wear and tear on your car.
If you do not have a car, the cost of transportation—for example, by taxi, public transportation, or ride-share company—is also usually covered. You might also be able to seek reimbursement for any parking fees you incur at your doctor’s office or tolls you may have to pay along the way.
Your doctor will likely bill all of your major treatment costs directly to the insurance company. However, you may have to pay for some other medical expenses out of pocket. For example, this may include costs for prescriptions, first aid supplies, or medical devices such as a wheelchair or crutches.
When you are initially injured, you may have to go an emergency room or urgent care center right away and pay for treatment at the time of the visit. Even though this cost was incurred before you filed your workers’ comp claim, you are entitled to reimbursement for those expenses.
Other expenses you incur because of your workplace injury or illness might also be eligible for reimbursement. For example, in New Hampshire, you can get reimbursed for board and lodging if you have to travel for rehabilitation training or appointments. In most states, you can also get reimbursed for medically-necessary items that were damaged in the accident, such as a pair of eyeglasses or hearing aids. And in some states, such as North Carolina, you can be reimbursed for attendant care, even if it is provided by a family member. The insurance company may try to argue that some of your expenses are unnecessary or unrelated to your injury, but if you have proof of the expense and an explanation of how the expense is related to your injury, you are more likely to get reimbursed.
In order to be reimbursed for eligible expenses, you must have proof of what costs you incurred as a result of your injury. Keep all bills, receipts, and other evidence of payment. You should submit copies of your receipts to the insurance company along with your request for reimbursement. (For more information, see our article on good-recording keeping practices in workers' comp.)
