Meals, Lodging, and Mileage for Worker's Compensation

Section 39-71-704(1) (d), MCA, directs WC Insurers to reimburse workers for reasonable travel expenses pursuant to rates allowed for state employees.  When determining the reimbursement, please refer to 39-71-704(1), MCA and ARM 24.29.1409.

Travel Expense Reimbursement Rule

  • MEAL PER DIEM:

    In-State Meal Allowance Rates

     

    07/01/2025

    04/11/2023-07/01/2025

    07/01/2019 - 04/10/2023

     

    Morning Meal
    12:01am - 10:00am

    $11.20

    $8.25

     $7.50

     

    Midday Meal
    10:01am – 3:00pm

    $13.30

    $9.25

     $8.50

     

    Evening Meal
    3:01pm - midnight

    $19.60

    $16.00

     $14.50

     

    Total:

    $44.10

    $33.50

     $30.50

     

     

    Out-of-State Meal Allowance Rates
      Effective 10/01/24 Effective 10/01/21 - 10/01/24 Effective 10/01/18 - 09/30/21
    Morning Meal
    12:01am - 10:00am    		 $16.00 $13.00 $13.00
    Midday Meal
    10:01am – 3:00pm    		 $19.00 $15.00 $14.00
    Evening Meal
    3:01pm - midnight    		 $28.00 $26.00 $23.00
    Total: $63.00 $54.00 $50.00

     

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    LODGING RATES EFFECTIVE 10/01/2025:

    In-State Lodging. Effective 10/01/2025, the standard federal lodging rate will be $110 per night, plus tax.

    The table below shows the rates for the State of Montana high-cost areas listed on the federal GSA website. The lodging rate listed in the table applies to the county even if a particular city in that county is not listed. If a county is not listed, the federal standard rate of $110 should be used for that entire county.

    Primary Destination

    County

    Maximum  Lodging Rate

    Standard Rate

    All other counties not listed

    $110

    Big Sky/West Yellowstone/Bozeman

    Gallatin/Park

    Oct 1 - May  = $176
    June 1 - Sept.  = $310

    Helena 

    Lewis and Clark

    $132

    Missoula

    Missoula

    Oct 1 – May  = $130
    June 1 - Sept  = $195

    Kalispell/Whitefish

    Flathead

    Oct 1 – June = $124

    July – Sept. = $232          

     

    To find the rate for a particular Montana city, visit the General Services Administration website at: GSA Per Diem Rates

    Out-of-state lodging. The $110 per night rate, plus tax, also applies to out-of-state lodging unless the city is in a high-cost area. The out-of-state high-cost areas are available on the federal GSA website. If the city is not listed on this table but the county is, the lodging rate listed applies to the entire county. If neither the city nor the county in which the city is located are listed, then the federal standard rate of $110 should be used for that area. To find the GSA website go to: GSA Per Diem Rates

    If you stay in a non-receiptable facility, e.g. with friends or relatives or in a camper or trailer, or you fail to obtain a receipt, Section 2-18-501(5), MCA, authorizes you to claim $12 per night for lodging expenses.

    Click here for prior years lodging rates.

  • Rates for mileage reimbursement, both In-State and Out-of-State

     

    Effective 
    01/01/26

    Effective 
    01/01/25

    Effective 
    01/01/24

    Effective  
    01/01/23

    Effective 
    07/02/22

    Effective 
    01/01/22

    Personal automobile - Up to 999 miles/month

    $0.725

    $0.70

    $0.67

    $0.655

    $0.625

    $0.585

    Personal automobile - 1000 or more  miles/month

    $0.695

    $0.67

    $0.65

    $0.625

    $0.595

    $0.555

    Private airplane                           (per nautical mile)

    $1.45

    $1.40

    $1.34

    $1.31

    $1.25

    $1.17

  • Workers' Compensation Medical Regulations Officer