February 2, 2026 | SIBTF.org — California’s recent mileage reimbursement increase is designed to help injured workers cover the real costs of travel for medical and medical-legal appointments. Beyond simply updating a rate, this adjustment recognizes the significant logistical and financial challenges that claimants face when attending multiple evaluations or specialty consultations, particularly for those living far from approved providers.
For workers participating in SIBTF claims, the impact goes beyond travel costs. Many claimants require extensive medical documentation and repeated assessments to establish eligibility for benefits related to pre-existing injuries. The updated reimbursement rate ensures that these workers can attend appointments promptly, avoiding delays that might otherwise slow claim processing or affect access to timely care.
The increase also contributes to a more efficient system for insurers, medical providers, and legal representatives. Clear, standardized reimbursement helps reduce billing disputes, simplifies recordkeeping, and ensures all parties have consistent expectations for travel compensation. By improving predictability, the adjustment supports smoother coordination of medical-legal appointments and ultimately strengthens the overall integrity of the workers’ compensation process.
Why the Mileage Reimbursement Rate Matters
Mileage reimbursement plays a critical role in ensuring injured workers are not financially burdened when accessing medical care or participating in required medical-legal evaluations. Travel costs can accumulate quickly, particularly for claimants who must attend multiple appointments or travel long distances to see specialty providers.
By updating the mileage rate, regulators aim to better reflect current transportation costs while maintaining consistency with statewide reimbursement standards.
Beyond the immediate financial relief for injured workers, the mileage reimbursement rate also has broader implications for the fairness and efficiency of the workers’ compensation system. When travel costs are adequately covered, claimants are less likely to miss appointments or delay evaluations, which can reduce administrative backlogs and help insurers process claims more accurately.
Additionally, consistent reimbursement standards provide transparency, giving workers confidence that their travel expenses will be fairly compensated regardless of location or provider, and reinforcing trust in the overall claims process.
How the Increase Affects Medical and Medical-Legal Travel
The revised mileage reimbursement rate applies to:
- Medical treatment appointments
- Qualified medical evaluator and agreed medical evaluator visits
- Depositions and hearings requiring travel
- Other approved medical-legal activities
For SIBTF applicants, accurate mileage reimbursement is especially important, as claims often involve extensive medical documentation and evaluations tied to pre-existing disabilities.
What Injured Workers Should Do Now
Claimants should ensure that mileage reimbursement requests reflect the updated rate for travel occurring on or after January 1, 2026. Supporting documentation, including appointment records and travel logs, remains essential for reimbursement approval.
Attorneys, claims administrators, and lien claimants are also encouraged to review internal billing and reimbursement practices to confirm compliance with the new rate.
Where the Rate Comes From
California’s workers’ compensation mileage reimbursement rate is adjusted periodically and is typically aligned with the medical travel rate recognized by state and federal guidance. The Division of Workers’ Compensation publishes official updates to ensure consistency across claims.
Readers can review current mileage reimbursement guidance directly from the California Division of Workers’ Compensation.
Subscribe to SIBTF.org for timely updates on benefit eligibility, reimbursement changes, regulatory guidance, and developments affecting injured workers with prior disabilities.
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FAQs: About Mileage Reimbursement
Who is eligible for reimbursement?
Injured workers are eligible for reimbursement when travel is reasonably required for medical treatment or medical-legal proceedings related to a workers’ compensation claim.
When does the increased mileage rate apply?
The updated reimbursement rate applies to qualifying travel that occurs on or after January 1, 2026.
Does the mileage increase affect SIBTF claims?
Yes. Mileage reimbursement applies to SIBTF-related medical and medical-legal travel when such travel is necessary to support benefit eligibility.
What documentation is required for reimbursement?
Claimants should retain appointment confirmations, travel dates, and mileage totals to support reimbursement requests.