Happy Wednesday Team!
By special request, this week’s tip outlines the Claimant’s entitlement to reimbursement of travel expenses to & from medical appointments:
JOHN’S GA TIP OF THE WEEK: Is the E/I Responsible for the Claimant’s “Travel Expenses” to/from the Doctor?
Under Board Rule 203(e), “Medical expenses shall include but are not limited to the reasonable cost of travel between the employee’s home and the place of examination or treatment or physical therapy, or the pharmacy.”
- MILEAGE
- When travel is by private vehicle the rate of mileage shall be 45 cents per mile (this rate is subject to change based upon changes in fuel costs).
- Requests for Mileage Reimbursements must submitted to the Employer/Insurer in writing and itemized.
- Mileage Reimbursements must be paid within 15 days from the date the Employer/Insurer receives the itemized written request.
- MEALS
- “Travel expenses shall include the actual cost of meals when the total elapsed time of the trip to obtain outpatient treatment exceeds four hours.”
- Cost of meals shall not exceed $45 per day.
- OVERNIGHT TRAVEL
- Where overnight travel is reasonably necessary, travel expenses shall include the actual reasonable cost of meals and lodging.
- Do NOT let the Claimant book the hotel room (The Ritz Carlton is not reasonable)!
As always, feel free to email/call/text if you run into any Georgia questions/issues. Have a great week!
Sincerely,
John Fennelly | Junior Partner | Atlanta