Employee must submit Expense Claims within one year of the date the expense was incurred. (UR 480-5-

We often receive requests for mileage upon the conclusion of a workers' compensation claim. We contacted the State and their position is that UR Section 480-5-5-.36 controls the time limit for claiming reimbursement of expenses. That section states:

"480-5-5-.36 Time Limits for Employee Filing Incurred Expense Claims.

(1) In accordance with Code of Alabama, 1975, Section 25-5-77 (c), the employer shall pay reasonable charges for the employee’s necessary board, lodging, and travel, if vocational rehabilitation requires residence at or near a facility away from the employee’s customary residence. Code of Alabama, 1975, Section 25-5-77 (f) requires the employer to pay mileage costs to and from medical and rehabilitation providers at the same rate as provided by law for official state travel.

(a) All mileage is subject to verification.

(b) Claims for mileage to a medical provider or rehabilitation that incurred between the claimant’s work location and normal residence shall not be eligible for payment.

(c) Both mileages to drop off a prescription and return mileage to pickup a prescription shall not be reimbursable. Only one round trip shall be approved.

(2) The employer shall notify the injured employee in writing that he is entitled to reimbursement for expenses as stated Code of Alabama, 1975, Sections 25-5-77 (c) and (f). This notice shall be furnished within two weeks of acceptance of the claim as a compensable work-related injury.

(3) In certain situations, the employee may pay for prescribed medications and/or supplies for treatment of the compensable work-related injury. In turn, the employee will file a claim for reimbursement with the employer. However, over the counter medications (i.e., Advil, Tylenol, etc) that may be used by any family member are non- reimbursable.

(4) The employee has one year from the date of incurred expense, as stated above, to file the claim with the employer/agent.

(5) Any disputes regarding reimbursement for incurred expenses should first be directed to the employer/agent. Employees may contact the Workers' Compensation Division for assistance, if there are problems with payment for an incurred expense associated with the employee’s workers' compensation claim and contact with the employer/agent is fruitless.