Does Health Insurance Cover Medical Marijuana?

As laws surrounding the use of marijuana continue to change many people are starting to use medical marijuana as a viable treatment option for various medical conditions. While some states have legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes the question on many people’s minds is whether health insurance will cover the cost of medical marijuana.

The Current State of Medical Marijuana Coverage

As of now there is no federal law mandating insurers to cover medical marijuana. Insurance coverage for medical marijuana varies depending on the state the insurance company. In some cases insurance companies do cover medical marijuana but only for certain conditions such as epilepsy. In other cases insurance companies may not cover any type of medical marijuana at all.

Why Insurance Companies May Not Cover Medical Marijuana

One reason why insurance companies may not cover medical marijuana is the lack of FDA approval. The FDA has not approved cannabis for medical use therefore insurance companies may not consider it a legitimate treatment option. Additionally because marijuana is still considered a Schedule I substance by the federal government many insurers may be reluctant to cover it for fear of legal repercussions.

Alternative Coverage Options

Even if your health insurance does not cover medical marijuana there are alternative options available to help offset the cost. Some medical marijuana dispensaries offer discounts to patients who cannot afford the full cost of their medication. Additionally some states have programs that offer financial assistance to patients who cannot afford medical marijuana.

Conclusion

While the use of medical marijuana as a treatment option continues to grow in popularity insurance coverage for medical marijuana is still in its infancy. If you are considering using medical marijuana to treat your medical condition it is important to carefully research your insurance coverage options consider alternative options to help offset the cost.