Mileage Reimbursement

[Guest Darla K]

Is there a minimum Mileage amount for medical treatment traveling expenses that a person can claim for reimbursement?

I have a client who is trying to claim for a trip to the doctor that was only 10 miles away. Is this eligible for reimbursement being so close to his home?

[SLuskin]

The problem is not the length of the drive to the doctor's office. The problem is that there is no third party substantiation for the expense. What kind of receipt would the person be submitting for that office visit?

[Guest Darla K]

I have an Explaination Of Benefit from the insurance company showing the portion they paid and the portion the patient is required to pay to the doctor's office as a claim for medical reimbursement and then I also have a piece of paper where the client has written down the mileage from his home to the doctor's office, which is for the mileage reimbursement portion.

[Guest JerseyGirl]

I believe that if the plan document allows for reimbursement of mileage, the actual distance has no bearing, but it seems hardly worth submitting a claim for $1.20! Does this plan have a minimum amount for reimbursement -- perhaps this money will have to *grow* to a realistic amount-say combined with others reimbursements, for a total of $25.00?

[Guest llerner]

If the doctor is a certain amount of miles from home or work and this can be substantiated, then you will not have a problem unless specifically excluded in Plan Document. This can add up with the doctor visit portion that insurance doesn't cover, particularly if patient is undergoing treatment of some kind or therapy. Also, if employee is concerned about "use it or lose it" it all adds up - dentist, other docs and specialists. As long as the employee mileage is verifiable, in the unlikely event that this is audited.

Example doctor visit one - not covered $20 + 1.20 submitted together and for each visit would be fine. If they want to do it, let them. If the TPA won't issue a check for 1.20 eventually when claims add up, they will find it included on a disbursement. Most won't bother but they can do it this provided not excluded in plan doc.

[Guest llerner]

I wanted to add that it can be substantiated by showing for example, mapquest mileage from patient home to office and then attach the internet doctor listing if you want to have every single duck in a row, though not necessary - not a bad idea.