If you’re hurt at work in Michigan, you should know about the new mileage reimbursement rate for 2024. The Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency has set it at $0.67 per mile. This is more than before and helps cover the costs when you use your own car to go to medical appointments for your work injury.
Getting money back for your mileage is important when you’re on workers’ comp. It makes sure you don’t have to pay out of your own pocket for travel costs related to your injury. The mileage reimbursement calculator helps figure out how much you should get back. This money covers things like gas, wear on your car, and its value going down. By paying for these costs, it helps remove money problems that might stop you from getting the medical care you need to get better and go back to work.
Understanding Mileage Reimbursement
When you’re hurt at work and get workers’ comp, mileage reimbursement helps pay for your travel costs. It’s meant to make it easier for you to get to doctor visits and other medical appointments for your work injury. This money back shows that getting better often means going to see doctors, physical therapists, or other health helpers a lot.
The money you get back isn’t just for gas. It also covers other costs of using your car, like upkeep, insurance, and the car losing value over time. You can get paid back for trips to get medicine the doctor told you to take, go to medical check-ups, or do approved rehab programs. Sometimes, you might even get money for travel if you need to learn new job skills as part of getting better.
Calculating Mileage Reimbursement
To figure out your mileage reimbursement in Michigan for 2024: Write down all your trips for your injury Put the date and exact miles you drove for each trip Add up all your miles Multiply the total by $0.67 (the 2024 rate) For example, if you drove 100 miles total, you’d get $67 back (100 x $0.67). Make sure to give your list of miles to your boss or their insurance company quickly so you can get paid on time.
Michigan Mileage Reimbursement Rate for 2024
In Michigan, the mileage rate 2024 is set at $0.67 for each mile you drive. This amount is based on how much it costs to run and take care of a car in the state right now. If you’re hurt at work, it’s good to know this rate so you get the right amount of money back for your travel costs.
We can see how the rate has changed over the past few years:
| Year | Mileage Rate |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $0.67 |
| 2023 | $0.655 |
| 2022 | $0.585 |
| 2021 | $0.56 |
This shows that the rate keeps going up. The state changes it to keep up with how much it costs to use a car, making sure workers who are hurt get a fair amount back for their travel.
Eligible Travel Expenses
- Medical appointments
- Pharmacy visits
- Physical therapy sessions
- Diagnostic tests and imaging
- Work hardening programs
- Vocational rehabilitation meetings
- Independent medical examinations
- Trips to obtain medical equipment
Additional Reimbursable Expenses
The mileage calculator 2023 isn’t the only way to get money back for your travel costs. If you need to go far for your medical care, you might also get money for meals and a place to stay. These extra costs help pay for when you need to stay overnight to get treatment. Remember, you’ll need to show receipts for these costs, unlike the regular mileage rate. It’s a good idea to ask your workers’ comp person about what’s covered in your case.
| Expense Type | Reimbursement Rate |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | $9.75 ($11.75 for select cities) |
| Lunch | $9.75 ($11.75 for select cities) |
| Dinner | $22.00 ($28.00 for select cities) |
| Lodging | $85.00 plus taxes |
How to Claim Mileage Reimbursement
- Keep accurate records: Start writing down your trips the day you begin treatment. Put down each trip’s date, where you started, where you went, and why. This list is your proof when you ask for money back. Even short trips matter, so don’t forget them.
- Calculate total mileage: At the end of each month, add up how far you drove. You can use online maps to check distances if you’re not sure. Multiply your total miles by the current rate ($0.67 for 2024) to find out how much money you should get back.
- Submit the claim: Send your list of trips to the insurance company handling your workers’ comp claim. Most companies have special forms for this. Fill it out all the way and include your travel list. You might want to send it by certified mail so you know they got it.
- Follow up: Mark your calendar for 30 days after you send it in. If you haven’t gotten paid by then, call the insurance company. Don’t give up – make sure they don’t forget about your claim.
Common Issues and Solutions
Even though getting money back for your miles seems easy, sometimes things can go wrong. It’s good to be ready for possible problems so you can handle them better. Let’s look at some common issues and what to do about them.
Delayed or Denied Reimbursements
If your money is late or they say no, don’t worry too much. First, check that you sent in all the right information. If everything looks good, call the insurance company and ask why. They might need more details. If they don’t answer or you think they’re wrong, you might want to talk to a workers’ comp lawyer about what to do next.
Insufficient Documentation
Keeping good records is the best way to avoid problems with your claim. Use a special notebook or phone app to write down your trips. If you can, write down your car’s mileage at the start and end of each trip. Keep any parking or toll receipts from your medical visits. The more detailed your records are, the easier it will be to get your money back. Using a mileage reimbursement calculator can also help make sure your numbers are right.
Seeking Legal Assistance
Sometimes, getting money back for your miles in workers’ comp can be hard. If they keep saying no, take a long time to pay you, or you think the insurance company isn’t being fair, you might need some help. A workers’ comp lawyer can speak up for you, especially if your case is complicated or you need long-term treatments that mean a lot of driving.
It’s important to find the right legal help. Look for lawyers who know a lot about workers’ comp cases in Michigan. Many will talk to you for free at first to look at your case. You can start by calling the State Bar of Michigan to get names of good lawyers near you. Remember, a good lawyer won’t just try to get you money for your miles – they’ll make sure you get all the benefits you should under Michigan’s workers’ comp rules. They can help you understand things like the michigan mileage rate 2024 and make sure you’re getting the right amount.