The ELR Medical Travel Policy is being introduced for 2025. Under this new policy, employees would be eligible to receive compensation for traveling to access higher quality and more affordable healthcare treatment. This policy is introduced in response to significant cost variations between hospitals, as highlighted by new federal transparency laws. These laws have shed light on the discrepancies in pricing, most notable is that larger hospitals often have lower rates and higher safety grades. This is a strategic approach to promote employee well-being while managing healthcare costs. As healthcare expenses continue to rise, this policy allows employees to seek necessary medical procedures where treatments are more often performed making them more cost-effective, reducing out-of-pocket expenses. By encouraging you, the employee, to pursue these options, ELR not only supports your health and financial stability but also wants to encourage a culture of proactive health management. This Policy aims to ensure you receive the highest quality care by facilitating access to top medical facilities.
Process
Consultation - After diagnosis, consult with your primary care physician for a referral to another doctor/hospital.
Health Advocate - If needed, contact our health advocate at 866-695-8622 for assistance in finding a highly ranked, lower priced alternative for care.
Direct Contact - If necessary, contact the medical center directly to schedule an appointment and coordinate medical records with your current physician.
Medical Related Travel Expenses
For travel expenses for the purpose of medical services for a covered member of the E.L. Robinson Engineering Co. group medical plans traveling 100 miles or more from their home address, the following will be covered during the reimbursement period:
$250 day limit for reasonable lodging
$200 day limit for meals
Ground travel is reimbursed based on the mileage from the recipients home or temporary lodging to the facility where services are rendered. Reimbursement will be calculated using the current IRS standard mileage rates
$50 day limit for automobile rentals
Air travel is reimbursed at the price of the airline ticket (coach class)
Tolls and parking incurred while traveling for services between the recipient’s home or temporary lodging and service facility
For approved travel, up to 3 days PTO per occurrence with a maximum of 12 days per year will be provided
There is a $10,000 aggregate limit for all travel cost The reimbursement period begins five days prior to an occurrence (service dates) and ends 12 months after the date of services.
Reimbursement applies to the member receiving services and one other person. If the recipient seeking services is a minor, reimbursement will be covered for two adults. Reimbursement for services must be accompanied by eligible receipts provided to the Human Resources Department no later than 12 months after services rendered.