Travel and Property Reimbursement
Changes to WAC 296-20-1103 Travel expense (www.leg.wa) became effective September 1, 2010.
Travel costs for health-care treatment related to the accepted conditions in the claim, including fitting a prosthetic device, may be reimbursed under certain circumstances (all 3 must be met):
- Travel is more than 15 miles, one way from your home.
- No other provider of the same type is available closer to your home.
- Your claim manager has pre-authorized the travel. Note: The following isn't reimbursable:
- The first 15 miles of each one-way trip.
- The first and last 15 miles (30 miles total) of each round trip.
- Trips to a pharmacy to fill or pick up prescriptions.
Travel costs may also be reimbursed in the following circumstances:
- An Independent Medical Examination (IME) requested by your claim manager.
- Travel to an IME requested by your claim manager will be reimbursed, without the deduction for the first and last 15 miles, if the IME is more than 15 miles one-way from your home.
- Approved vocational services.
- Travel for vocational services at L&I's or self-insurer's request will be reimbursed, without deduction for the first and last 15 miles if the services are more than 15 miles one-way from the worker's home.
Effective September 1, 2010, upon prior authorization for travel for vocational retraining, a worker won't be reimbursed for the first 15 miles to the training site, or the last 15 miles (round trip), if the training site is 15 miles or more from the worker's home. Travel expense is not payable if the site is within 15 miles of the worker's home.
Orthotic/prosthetic repairs after claim closure
Reasonable travel expenses for orthotic/prosthetic repairs or replacement (except for hearing aids) after your claim is closed may be reimbursed if the appliance was originally purchased by L&I or your self-insured employer.
Note: The following is not reimbursable:
- The first 15 miles of each one-way trip.
- The first and last 15 miles (30 miles total) of each round trip.
Personal property reimbursement
In some cases, personal property lost or damaged during an industrial accident may be reimbursed. Coverage is limited to:
- Prescription eye glasses or contacts.
- Clothing.
- Shoes or boots.
- Personal protective equipment.
Questions workers have
How am I reimbursed for travel expenses?
Use the Travel Reimbursement Request form (F245‑145‑000). You must send your request within one year of the trip and must indicate the date, destination, provider name, and reason for travel.
Do I need to keep my receipts?
Yes. Itemized receipts are required for all expenses except parking expenses under $10. For travel please use the Travel Reimbursement Request form (F245‑145‑000).
For self-insured claims, please request reimbursement directly from the employer or the employer's claims representative.
What if I live or move out of state?
You may have to travel a greater distance to receive care for your claim. If so, payment for some travel costs may be considered if the travel is pre-approved by your claim manager. You won't be paid if your claim manager doesn't pre approve your travel.
If you're thinking of moving out of Washington, learn what you can do to communicate with L&I and find new care.
How much does L&I or your self-insured employer pay for travel reimbursement?
L&I or your self-insured employer reimburses injured worker travel costs at current Washington state reimbursement rate. See the Domestic Per Diem Rates (www.gsa.gov).
Does L&I or my self-insured employer pay for travel costs for independent medical exams (IME)?
- You may have to return to Washington for an independent medical examination. If needed, L&I or your self-insured employer will pay for your transportation, lodging, meals, and wage replacement for lost wages to attend the exam.
Does L&I or your self-insured employer pay for travel for vocational services?
Yes, mileage for meetings requested by your vocational rehabilitation counselor (VRC) may be reimbursed. In addition, some travel costs that are approved in your vocational plan may be reimbursed.
Note: If you are enrolled in a vocational plan approved on or after September 1, 2010, the following is not reimbursable when traveling to and from the retraining site:
- The first 15 miles of each one-way trip.
- The first and last 15 miles (30 miles total) of each round trip.
