Workers' Comp Mileage Reimbursement 2026: Rates by State + How to Claim

What Travel Expenses Are Reimbursable?

Every state with a workers' comp system covers your travel to approved medical treatment. Qualifying trips typically include:

• Initial doctor visit and follow-ups
• Physical therapy sessions
• Specialist appointments (orthopedist, neurologist, psychiatrist, etc.)
• Pharmacy trips for prescribed medications
• Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) / Qualified Medical Evaluators (QMEs)
• Diagnostic testing (MRI, CT scan, X-ray)
• Vocational rehabilitation appointments

Not reimbursable:

• Personal errands combined with medical trips (you may only claim the medical portion)
• Visits to non-authorized providers (carriers refuse)
• Missed appointments

2026 Mileage Reimbursement Rates by State (Key States)

| State | Rate / Mile | Minimum Trip | Submission Deadline | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Virginia | $0.725 | None | Within 1 year | | California | $0.70 (+ bridge tolls) | None | Within 60 days | | Colorado | $0.70 | 45 miles RT | 120 days | | Florida | $0.70 | None | Within 1 year | | Georgia | $0.40 | 5 miles | Varies | | New York | $0.32 (state-set) | None | Within 2 years | | Texas | $0.70 | None | Within 1 year | | Ohio | $0.70 | 45 miles RT | Within 1 year | | South Carolina | $0.70 | 5 miles | Within 1 year | | Massachusetts | $0.70 | None | Within 1 year |

IRS Standard Mileage Rate 2026 = $0.70/mile. Most states track this rate.

Use our Mileage Calculator to estimate your total reimbursement in 60 seconds.

How to Document and Submit Your Claim

1. Keep a trip log — Date, purpose (e.g., "PT — Dr. Smith"), starting address, destination, and round-trip miles.
2. Save receipts — Parking, tolls, public transport fares.
3. Request the right form — California uses DWC 9782; most states have a specific workers' comp mileage form. Ask your carrier or adjuster.
4. Submit monthly — Don't accumulate a year of mileage. Monthly submissions are reviewed faster and reduce the risk of lost/forgotten trips.
5. Keep a copy of everything — Always submit by a trackable method (certified mail, email with confirmation, or online portal).

What to Do if Mileage Is Denied

Denials fall into a few buckets:

• Minimum-mile rules — Colorado, Ohio, Georgia, South Carolina each have minimums. If your trip is under the threshold, the denial is correct. Try to schedule appointments at further providers to clear the minimum.
• Duplicate trips — The carrier believes you already submitted the date. Send the original log showing the new trip.
• Non-authorized provider — The carrier requires you to see a specific provider panel (most common in Texas, Florida). Get pre-authorization.
• Late submission — Most states deny anything beyond 1–2 years. Submit monthly to avoid this.

If the denial seems unjustified, file a formal hearing request with your state workers' comp board. Mileage disputes are low-value individually but set important precedents for your case.

Sources

• IRS Notice 2026-01 (Standard Mileage Rates)
• State workers' comp board bulletins (50 states)
• California DWC Rule 9793