2008 Workers' Comp changes: New Mileage Rate, Temporary Disability Rate and T.D. Time-Frame Now in Effect

Three significant changes to Workers' Compensation law took effect on New Year's Day:

Medical and legal travel will now be reimbursed at 50.5¢ per mile. The new rate must be paid for travel on or after Jan. 1, regardless of the date of injury. You can print a copy of the new expense reimbursement form by downloading a copy from our website by clicking on this link: Mileage Expense Form for travel after 1-1-08. The 2007 mileage rate was 48.5¢.

The new maximum rate for Temporary Total Disability (TTD) is $916.33 per week, based on changes in the State Average Weekly Wage. The new minimum TTD rate is $137.45 per week. Workers with dates of injury on or after Jan. 1, 2003, who are receiving Life Pensions or Permanent Total Disability benefits are also entitled to the 3.9% increase.

Temporarily disabled workers injured after Jan. 1, 2008, may now receive TTD benefits for up to five years. Employees may receive 104 weeks of payments over a 5-year period that begins on the date of injury. Before, injured workers could only receive these benefits for two years, and the clock began ticking when the first benefit was paid.