Change in Mileage Reimbursement for 2009

[UndercovrAngel]

For those injured workers that are able to claim mileage for their appointments and such having to do with WC, by aware that the mileage reimbursement changed as of January 1,2009 from the .585 cents we collected beginning July of 2008 to a paltry .24 cents.

I am sure that if any of you have sent in mileage reimbursement forms for travel pay this year that weren't for 2008, your adjustor will happily inform you of the change when they send you your check. But for those of you who will be sending them in soon, make sure to adjust your mileage reimbursement amount prior to submission.

Angel ^j^

[kate]

Caution! Keep in mind...

Not all states have changed their rates. They all have different criteria. Several have dropped to 55 cents, and some never went up. (Florida for example hasn't changed since 7/1/2006 and is 44.5 cents)

I just spoke to someone at Texas WC. Mileage rate is based on the rates the Texas Comptroller uses. The mileage rate is 55 cents effective 1/1/2009. Here's the link: http://www.window.state.tx.us/comptrol/texastra.html

[UndercovrAngel]

Thanks for that information Kate. According to the IRS site I was taken to, it said that all states would be dropped to the 24 cents due to the lower cost of fuel. I guess even at times the IRS has incorrect information on their websites.

Angel ^j^

[1171]

IRS does not control or supercede state work comp laws. some state laws specify the IRS rate while others have their own.

[tpm]

Hello
In NY it went from .585 to .55. Not bad when you see how much the gas has come down
Be well

Ps. Stillllllll waiting for surgery date

[borninabarn]

I just sent mine in today in Iowa so I will find out soon.

[borninabarn]

Since we are talking about this subject what can you really write off?I write down trips to the dr.and trips to get meds and they were paying me.This is something I wouldnt do but I had talked to a guy from Ca.that was so upset with the comp system he would have a Limo come pick him up and take him to the Dr and turn it in?Have you heard of stuff like that??

[Tizz]

Since im New to this Wc stuff, Were do you find information on the rate they pay you for mileage?? Im in Tennessee by the way.

[1171]

for tennessee:
"Mileage reimbursement for travel to and from medical treatment is allowed if travel, either to or from medical treatment, exceeds 15 miles. The mileage rate is based on current mileage allowance for Tennessee state employees.

since 10/1/2008 it's $.54/mi
http://tennessee.gov/labor-wfd/wc_mileage.pdf

[kate]

UndercovrAngel Wrote:Thanks for that information Kate. According to the IRS site I was taken to, it said that all states would be dropped to the 24 cents due to the lower cost of fuel. I guess even at times the IRS has incorrect information on their websites.

Angel ^j^

Actually, I checked it out. The IRS rate for medical is exactly as you said, you were 100% right based on what info you were given: 24 cents per mile.

That actually is meant for how much you can use for deductions you can take on your taxes.

But usually the States that use the IRS rates for mileage reimbursement for WC state : "the rate paid to state employees for business travel". Which means as of 1/1/2009, it is 55 cents.

OK, I know it doesn't make sense, BUT, we're talking about the government.!

The only state I am pretty sure of that uses the IRS standard is PA. Some others use "what they call "the Government rate for government employees", which, strangely enough is not always the IRS rate, and yet others, just use their own rates with no logical reason why.