Iowa Workers’ Comp Mileage Reimbursement: A Guide

Don’t Forget This Lesser-Known Iowa Workers’ Compensation Benefit

When you’re recovering from a work injury, the miles you travel to medical appointments can add up.

That’s especially true for workers who live in rural Iowa. The average rural American lives more than 10 miles from the nearest hospital. But no matter where you live, your fuel and parking costs can be high if you need to travel to multiple appointments per month, or if you must travel long distances to see a specialist. If you stay overnight in another city, it adds hotel charges, meal expenses, and more. 

All of these travel expenses should be covered if you are on workers’ comp benefits. However, it’s easy to forget about this lesser-known benefit of workers’ compensation, or to become confused altogether about how to get it.

The Iowa workers’ comp attorneys at Schott Mauss & Associates want to be sure that you receive the benefits you deserve. Here’s a quick guide to mileage benefits and how you can ensure you receive them.

How Much Does Workman’s Compensation Pay for Mileage?

Iowa workers’ compensation law requires employers to cover “reasonably necessary” transportation expenses for medical care. This includes appointments with medical professionals such as doctors, surgeons, and physical therapists. You can also be reimbursed for transportation used to pick up prescriptions, crutches, braces, or other medical supplies, related to your treatment.

These expenses could include:

• Per-mile reimbursement for the use of a private car, truck, or other vehicle.
• Reimbursement for the cost of using public transportation, taxis, or other local transportation.
• Meals and lodging, if the visit requires an extended or overnight stay.
• Ambulance or other emergency transportation costs.

The current rate for workers’ compensation mileage in Iowa is $0.70 per mile. New rates go into effect on July 1 of each year.

How To Request Reimbursement for Travel Expenses

To request reimbursement for any travel expense, including mileage, follow this process.

1. Track Your Mileage

Remembering to track your mileage and expenses is the most important step. It’s easy to forget, so it may be helpful to keep a notepad and pen in your car, or to make regular entries in a note-taking app on your phone. If you travel via public transportation or taxi, keep any receipts and create a physical file to place them in.

If you have a hard time remembering to log your expenses, set yourself a regular reminder. This will help you remember to write down the number of miles you have traveled, as well as any other expenses.

2. Submitting a Request for Reimbursement

Once you’ve tracked your mileage, it’s time to get paid. You are eligible to receive reimbursement once you have traveled 50 miles, or once your medical care is fully completed, whichever comes first. At that point, you can fill out a formal request. This may come in the form of a sheet that your employer provides. If you aren’t sure how to formally submit your request, talk with your workers’ compensation attorney.

3. Receiving Payment

Iowa law requires employers to repay mileage expenses within a “reasonable” period. Once you submit your form, you should receive your payment within a few weeks. If your employer’s insurance company disputes your claim, or if your employer is ignoring your request, speak with your workers’ comp attorney. We can help you resolve disputes. In certain cases, we can pursue legal action if your employer’s insurer is working in bad faith.

Can I Be Reimbursed for Taking Time Off for My Appointment?

Reimbursement for workers’ compensation covers more than fuel and parking. If you must leave work to travel to an appointment, you can be reimbursed for the wages for the time you’ve missed. (This right is outlined under Iowa Code Section 85.27.)

This means that your employer cannot force you to use sick time, vacation time, or paid time off (PTO) to cover these travels. Instead, you must receive pay for the time you miss, including travel and the appointment itself. 

Like mileage, it’s important to keep a record of the time you spend away from work at appointments. Again, if your employer or their insurer disputes your right to this benefit, you should seek the help of your workers’ comp attorney.

Common Questions About Mileage Reimbursement for Workers’ Comp

Is Workers’ Comp Mileage Reimbursement Taxable?

No. Workers’ compensation benefits, in general, are rarely taxable. This is particularly true for mileage, which is not a payment you receive, but reimbursement for expenses you’ve already paid. 

Can I Receive Payment for Mileage Before I Travel to Receive Treatment?

Yes, it may be possible. If covering the cost of traveling to your appointments is a financial hardship, talk with your attorney. We may be able to create an agreement with your employer for up-front payment. The Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner can also require transportation expenses to be covered in advance.

How Far Back Can I Submit a Mileage Request?

While Iowa law has strict deadlines for filing your workers’ compensation claim, there is no specific deadline for mileage. However, we encourage you to request payment as soon as possible. If you wait many months or years, the insurance company may dispute the claim. They may argue that the expenses are unreliable or were not properly documented.

The best practice is to submit your mileage logs regularly. That means at least every few months, or whenever you meet the 50-mile threshold.

Don’t Miss Out on Valuable Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Don’t lose out on any of the Iowa workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. Schott Mauss & Associates is here to be your trusted partner through the whole process. That could include filing your initial application, appealing a denial, or another part of the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for a free consultation.