NY State Workers' Compensation Mileage Rate 2014: What You Need to Know

Overview of the 2014 Mileage Rate

In 2014, New York State set the workers' compensation mileage rate at 58 cents per mile for all claimants. This rate applied to any travel required for medical treatment, rehabilitation, or related work‑related activities. The figure was derived from the state's annual budget review and aimed to reflect average fuel costs and vehicle maintenance expenses during that year.

How the Rate Was Determined

The Department of Labor & Industries (LI) calculates the mileage rate annually by reviewing the average cost of gasoline, vehicle depreciation, and maintenance. For 2014, the average cost of gasoline in New York was $3.73 per gallon, and the average vehicle mileage per gallon was 21.5. Using these figures, the LI applied a standard formula that resulted in the 58‑cent rate.

Applicability to Claimants and Employers

Both employees and employers could benefit from the mileage rate. Claimants received reimbursement for actual mileage incurred, while employers could recover the cost of transporting injured workers to medical facilities. The rate applied to all types of travel, including:

• Medical appointments
• Physical therapy sessions
• Rehabilitation programs
• Work‑related site visits (when medically necessary)

Limits and Adjustments

The rate was capped at 100 miles per day to prevent excessive reimbursements. If a claimant traveled more than 100 miles in a single day, the excess mileage was not reimbursed. Additionally, the rate did not apply to travel within a 25‑mile radius of the claimant's residence unless the claimant's employer required it for work duties.

Record‑Keeping Requirements

Claimants were required to submit a mileage log detailing the date, purpose, and miles driven. Employers had to verify the log and retain it for at least 10 years. Failure to provide accurate logs could result in denial of reimbursement or penalties.

Impact on Total Compensation Costs

For many workers, the 58‑cent mileage rate represented a significant portion of total compensation, especially for those living far from medical providers. Employers, on the other hand, saw a predictable cost structure, allowing for better budgeting of workers' compensation expenses.

Comparison with Other Years