Calculating Travel Reimbursement
We are frequently asked to explain how travel reimbursement is calculated on a Texas claim. These questions usually involve both mileage reimbursement and per diem payments.
Rule 134.110(d) requires carriers to reimburse injured employees for qualified travel based on the travel rate for state employees on the date travel occurred. On January 1, 2019, the rate of 58 cents per mile became applicable.
Rule 134.110 ties the rate of travel reimbursement to the travel rate for state employees. This is found on the Texas Comptroller’s website at the following address: https://fmx.cpa.state.tx.us/fm/travel/travelrates.php.
Since 2010, the maximum meal and lodging rates have been tied to the US General Services Administration’s federal domestic maximum per diem rates. Therefore, carriers must check the GSA’s website to determine the maximum meal and lodging rates, based on the county to which the travel takes place.
Per diem rates are set differently and change on different dates. The GSA’s federal Domestic Maximum Per Diem Rates can be found at: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/21287. These rates will change after August 31, 2019. If the city is not listed, but the county is listed; the rate of reimbursement is the rate of the county. For areas not listed (city or county), the maximum rates are:
•Lodging In-State: up to $94
•Meals In-State: up to $55
Note that rates for listed cities are considerably different than the rates applicable for cities not listed. Lodging and meal rates for Austin, for instance, are $160/$145 (depending on the month) and $61.
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