Medical Travel and Mileage Reimbursement under the DOL-OWCP Program for Injured Federal Workers

Under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), Federal employees injured on the job or suffering from work-related illnesses may qualify for compensation covering various expenses, including medical treatment and travel costs. If an employee needs to travel for medical treatment related to their injury or illness, they may be eligible for mileage reimbursement from the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).

Are you an injured Federal employee with travel expenses for medical treatment?

To qualify for mileage reimbursement, travel must be directly related to medical treatment for the work-related condition. The OWCP typically reimburses the distance between the employee’s home or workplace and the medical provider’s location. If the provider is outside the employee’s local area, the OWCP may also cover reasonable lodging and meal expenses. Overnight travel, related meals, and lodging that include mileage that exceeds 100 miles one-way and/or 200 miles round trip will require special prior approval from the DCMWC District Office. You can reach the District Office by calling the toll-free number on business days, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET): 1-800-347-2502.

Which form should a Federal employee injured on the job use for medical travel costs?

To request only mileage reimbursement, the injured employee must complete Form OWCP-957A. The form requires details about the injury, the medical provider, and appointment dates and locations. Employees must also document the mileage traveled using a map or odometer reading.

After receiving the completed OWCP-957A form and necessary documentation, the OWCP will review the request to determine reimbursement eligibility under FECA. If approved, the reimbursement will be made at the current federal mileage rate of 67 cents per mile. Processing may take several weeks, and reimbursements are typically issued via check.

To request reimbursement for other medical travel expenses, the injured Federal worker would submit a longer form: Medical Travel Refund Request - Expenses Form OWCP-957B. This new form replaces the OWCP-957 form.

A new OWCP-957 Form is Available

According to DOL, “Effective February 17, 2024, you must use and complete the new Medical Travel Refund Request- Expenses, OWCP-957B form, to obtain reimbursement for mileage cost, and other expenses for travel related to medical treatment for your covered condition. The format of the new Medical Travel Refund Request –Expenses form (OWCP-957B) has been redesigned for a more user-friendly experience. Effective March 31,2024, the old OWCP-957 (Medical Travel Refund Request) form will no longer be accepted for processing. If the old OWCP-957 form is used after this date, it will be returned to you, requesting that you complete the new OWCP-957B form and resubmit. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.”

Travel reimbursement is available by OWCP for Federal employees

Injured Federal employees should maintain accurate records of medical appointments and travel expenses, including lodging and meal receipts and details of all medical visits. The OWCP may request additional information to support reimbursement requests, making organized record-keeping essential.

Federal employees' benefits under FECA

In addition to mileage reimbursement, injured Federal employees might also be eligible for other benefits under FECA, such as wage replacement for missed work, payment for medical treatments and supplies, and vocational rehabilitation services. Employees must collaborate with their agency’s workers’ compensation coordinator and medical providers to ensure they receive all entitled benefits.

How can Federal Injury Group help injured Federal workers?

Our team of medical and administrative professionals assist Federal employees hurt on the job by providing in-house physical therapy and treatment while we manage your Federal workers' compensation case with the goal of helping you recover and successfully return to work when medically able to do so. Whether your work-related injury is recent or not, accepted or denied, we’re here to help you.