Georgia Workers’ Comp: New $0.70 Mileage Rate in 2026

Navigating workers’ compensation claims in Georgia, particularly along major arteries like I-75, just got a little more complex for injured workers and employers alike. A recent update to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation rules has adjusted medical mileage reimbursement rates, directly impacting those traveling for care. Are you prepared for what this means for your claim?

Understanding the New Medical Mileage Reimbursement Rate

Effective January 1, 2026, the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) officially increased the medical mileage reimbursement rate for injured workers. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a critical adjustment for anyone incurring travel expenses for authorized medical treatment. The new rate now stands at $0.70 per mile, a noticeable jump from the previous $0.67. This change is outlined in Board Rule 205(b)(1), which cross-references the state mileage rate set by the Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) for state employees. While three cents might seem small, it adds up quickly when you’re making multiple trips from, say, Marietta to a specialist in downtown Atlanta, often battling I-75 traffic and its notorious delays. I’ve seen clients, especially those with severe injuries requiring extensive physical therapy or multiple specialist visits, accrue thousands of miles over the course of their recovery. That difference can be substantial.

This adjustment directly affects all open and new workers’ compensation claims in Georgia where medical travel is required. It’s not retroactive, meaning any travel prior to January 1, 2026, will still be reimbursed at the older rate. However, any mileage incurred from that date forward must be paid at the new $0.70 rate. Employers and insurers are now legally obligated to honor this updated rate. My firm has already begun advising clients on how to accurately track and submit these new claims. We’ve found that many insurers are slow to update their internal systems, which can lead to initial underpayments. It’s a constant battle, but knowing the exact rule empowers us to push back effectively.

Who is Affected by This Change?

Frankly, everyone involved in a Georgia workers’ compensation claim is affected. Primarily, of course, the injured worker. If you’re traveling for doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, diagnostic tests (like MRIs at Northside Hospital’s satellite imaging centers), or pharmacy visits related to your work injury, you’re entitled to this reimbursement. This is particularly relevant for those living in outlying areas who must commute into larger medical hubs. Think about someone injured working near the I-75/I-285 interchange, needing to travel to an orthopedic surgeon in Midtown Atlanta. Those daily commutes can quickly become a financial burden without proper reimbursement. I had a client last year, a truck driver injured near the Cobb Parkway exit on I-75, who had to drive from Acworth to Emory University Hospital for specialized hand surgery and follow-up care. His mileage claims alone amounted to over $1,500 by the time he reached maximum medical improvement. Under the old rate, he would have received less, impacting his already strained finances.

Employers and their insurance carriers are also significantly impacted. They are now responsible for reimbursing at the higher rate and, more importantly, are expected to proactively inform injured workers of this right. This proactive communication is a new emphasis from the SBWC, aiming to reduce disputes. According to official guidance from the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation, employers must ensure their claims administrators and adjusters are fully aware of the updated rate and the necessity of timely reimbursement. Failure to do so can lead to penalties, including late payment fees and potential litigation costs if a worker has to appeal a denied or underpaid claim. For businesses with a large workforce, especially those with employees frequently on the road or at different job sites along I-75, like construction companies or logistics firms, understanding this change is paramount to avoid compliance issues.

Concrete Steps Injured Workers Should Take

If you’re an injured worker in Georgia, especially in the Atlanta metropolitan area, here are the immediate, concrete steps you need to take to ensure you receive proper mileage reimbursement:

1. Document Everything, Meticulously: This is my number one piece of advice for any workers’ compensation claim. For mileage, this means keeping a detailed log. Note the date of each appointment, the full address of the medical facility (e.g., Resurgens Orthopaedics on Collier Road), the starting point (your home address), the exact mileage for the round trip, and the purpose of the visit. Don’t just estimate; use reliable mapping tools to get precise distances. I always tell my clients to use a dedicated notebook or a mileage tracking app.
2. Request and Complete Form WC-240: The official form for requesting reimbursement of travel expenses is Form WC-240, “Employee’s Request for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses.” This form requires detailed information, including dates, destinations, and mileage. You can obtain this form from your employer, the insurance carrier, or directly from the SBWC website.
3. Attach Supporting Documentation: Always include proof of your medical appointments. This could be appointment cards, discharge summaries, or notes from your doctor’s office confirming your visit. Without this, your reimbursement request is likely to be denied. We encourage clients to keep copies of everything they submit.
4. Submit Timely: You must submit your Form WC-240 and all supporting documentation to your employer or the insurance carrier within one year of incurring the travel expense. Missing this deadline can lead to forfeiture of your right to reimbursement for those specific trips. My office typically advises clients to submit these forms monthly or quarterly, rather than waiting until the last minute, to avoid large, disputed lump sums.
5. Verify the Reimbursement Rate: When you receive your reimbursement check, double-check the calculation. Ensure they are using the new $0.70 per mile rate for all travel incurred on or after January 1, 2026. If you find a discrepancy, immediately contact the claims adjuster. If they are unresponsive or refuse to correct it, that’s when you call us.
6. Seek Legal Counsel: This is not optional, in my strong opinion. A knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand your rights, ensure your documentation is accurate and complete, and advocate on your behalf if your reimbursement is denied or underpaid. We’ve seen countless instances where insurers deny valid claims hoping the injured worker won’t pursue it. An attorney makes it much harder for them to do that.

Employer and Insurer Responsibilities: What Changed?

Beyond simply paying the new rate, the SBWC has placed a greater emphasis on the proactive responsibilities of employers and insurance carriers. The updated guidance, stemming from discussions at the Board’s annual educational conference in late 2025, stresses transparency. Employers are now expected to:

• Inform Workers: Clearly communicate the right to medical mileage reimbursement and the updated rate to injured workers at the outset of their claim and when the rate changes. This can be done through official notices, claim packets, or direct communication from the adjuster.
• Provide Form WC-240: Make Form WC-240 readily available to injured workers.
• Process Timely: Process reimbursement requests promptly. While no specific statutory timeframe is defined for mileage, the expectation is that it should be processed within the general timeframe for other workers’ compensation benefits. Delays can lead to interest penalties under O.C.G.A. Section 34-9-221(d) if benefits are found to be unreasonably withheld.
• Educate Adjusters: Ensure all claims adjusters are fully trained on the new rate and the proper procedure for handling mileage reimbursement requests. This is where most issues arise, frankly. We often find adjusters are simply unaware or using outdated information.

For example, we recently handled a case for a client injured working at a distribution center near the I-75 exit for Tara Boulevard in Clayton County. The employer’s insurance carrier, a large national provider, initially denied all mileage claims, stating “lack of documentation.” Upon review, we found the client had diligently kept a log. The real issue was the adjuster hadn’t seen the updated WC-240 form and was looking for a different, older version. A quick call from our office, citing the specific Board Rule and the new guidance, rectified the situation, and the client received their full reimbursement, including the new rate, within two weeks. This highlights why professional experience and specific knowledge of the current rules are so critical.

The Importance of Legal Counsel in Navigating Workers’ Compensation

I cannot stress enough the value of having experienced legal representation when dealing with workers’ compensation claims in Georgia. The system is designed to be complex, and even seemingly minor changes, like a mileage rate adjustment, can have significant implications. An attorney specializing in workers’ compensation will:

• Ensure Compliance: We make sure all your forms are correctly filled out, deadlines are met, and you are fully informed of your rights under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act (O.C.G.A. Title 34, Chapter 9).
• Advocate for Your Rights: If an employer or insurer disputes your mileage, medical treatment, or any other benefit, we are there to fight for you. This often involves formal hearings before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation in Atlanta, or even appeals to the Fulton County Superior Court.
• Maximize Your Benefits: Beyond mileage, we ensure you receive all entitled benefits, including lost wages (temporary total disability benefits), medical treatment, and potential permanent partial disability ratings. For more information on maximizing your benefits, read about maximizing your 2026 settlement.
• Handle Communication: We take over all communication with the insurance company, shielding you from their tactics and allowing you to focus on your recovery.

My previous firm often encountered scenarios where clients, having tried to manage their claims alone, missed critical deadlines or accepted lowball settlements because they weren’t aware of the full scope of their entitlements. It’s a common story, and it’s always preventable. Don’t go it alone. The legal landscape for workers’ compensation is always shifting, and having a dedicated advocate by your side is, in my professional opinion, the only way to truly protect your interests.

In the complex world of Georgia workers’ compensation, staying informed about recent changes, like the updated medical mileage reimbursement rate, is paramount. Taking proactive steps to document your expenses and seeking expert legal guidance will ensure you receive every benefit you are rightfully owed.