Medical Cannabis Insurance
Medical cannabis has been legal since July 2001, we have officially hit a 20-year benchmark this year. Although this medication is not new, it is only within the last 3 years we have been seeing a gradual increase in the number insurance companies offering cannabis coverage. Cannabis does not have a DIN (Drug Identification Number) like pharmaceutical medications do, therefore it is not eligible under coverage for prescription drug plans.
You or your employer can add medical cannabis coverage onto your medical insurance plan benefits. Most insurance benefits are covering cannabis for the following conditions.
- Cancer with severe or refractory pain; or with nausea and vomiting associated with Cancer treatment
- Multiple Sclerosis with neuropathic pain; or spasticity
- Chronic Neuropathic Pain
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Palliative care
- HIV/AIDS with anorexia; or with neuropathic pain
Medical research for cannabis and specific medical conditions is still preliminary. As a result, there are only specific medical conditions covered because they have a large body of evidence-based information.
Coverage may only be for specific age groups and can only be prescribed by specific medical professionals. It is best you always contact your medical insurance company; some will require a pre-authorization. It may not be as easy as simply submitting a receipt.
Below is a list of Medical Insurance companies who have a medical cannabis coverage option.
Sun Life Financial
Green Sheild Canada
Canada Life (formerly Great-West Life)
Medavie Blue Cross
Desjardins
Manulife
SSQ Insurance
Industrial Alliance/IA Financial Group
WSIB/Worksafe
You can review your insurance plan, or you can contact your provider. You will need your policy and client ID numbers. When contacting your insurance company, here are some important questions to ask.
Do you have cannabis coverage for your condition?
If yes, ask them if they require a letter, a proof of prescription, specific forms or if they require a prescription to a particular Licensed Producer.
Do you have a Health Spending Account (HSA)?
This account allows plan members to have out-of-pocket expenses. The HSA also allows use for spouse and/or children.
The out-of-pocket expenses related to a medical cannabis prescription is the number one reason why our patients choose not to continue with medical cannabis therapy. Finding programs that create affordability is an essential part of a successful cannabis treatment plan, it goes far beyond a medical document.
Many Licensed Producers have compassionate pricing programs for those with low income. Some provide anywhere from 20% to 30% off your order if you can provide proof, you are on a federal or provincial program or if you have a low income.
The Canada Revenue Agency has medical cannabis on their list of eligible medical expenses. When completing your taxes, you can utilize the purchase of your prescription cannabis as a tax benefit under the Medical Expense Tax Credit. Or, if you are low income you can claim under the Refundable Medical Expense Supplement. You can make use of your medical cannabis prescription purchases, as well as, rolling papers, pipes, bongs, vaporizers, etc. Only if they are purchased to consume your medical cannabis. You will need to provide receipts from an approved Health Canada Licensed Producer.
Many challenges lay ahead of us, but we are heading in the right direction. Some insurance companies are beginning to visit coverage for assistance in mental health and other conditions than listed above. If you are struggling to afford your cannabis, speak to your Cannabis Educator, they will be able to guide you through the best affordable option for you.