Is Medical Marijuana Covered By Insurance Canada?

Cannabis was legalized in Canada for medical use about 20 years ago, and some insurance companies are gradually including medical cannabis, and some companies have started including medical cannabis within the health insurance of their staff.

Here, we will explore the answer to the question, “Is medical marijuana covered by Insurance Canada?” including the list of insurers and organizations that offer coverage for medical marijuana.

Is Medical Marijuana Covered By Insurance Canada

Yes, most insurance companies offer coverage for medical cannabis treatments as part of extended health benefits plans. Generally, you can use your Health Spending Accounts (HSA) to cover your medical marijuana expenses.

Coverage varies depending on the specific medical condition for which the cannabis is prescribed and the individual’s insurance plan. So it is strongly advised you check with the insurer to ascertain if the Health Insurance covers medical marijuana, the eligibility, required documentation, and the claims process. Some insurers will demand a pre-authorization and only cover medical marijuana under certain conditions.

What are the Health Conditions That Makes You Eligible For Medical Cannabis Coverage?

The eligibility of health conditions for medical cannabis coverage can vary depending on the province and specific regulations of the insurance provider.

In Canada, here are common health conditions that have been known to be eligible for medical cannabis coverage and they include:

• Chronic pain
• Multiple sclerosis (MS) and related neuropathic pain
• Cancer-related pain and symptoms
• HIV/AIDS-related symptoms and side effects
• Nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Epilepsy and seizure disorders
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

It’s important to note that each province in Canada may have its specific list of eligible conditions, and it can also be subject to change over time as new research and evidence emerge. Additionally, the approval for coverage may depend on the severity and history of the medical condition and the patient’s response to other traditional treatments.

Can You Claim Medical Cannabis As A Medical Expense?

In Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) allows individuals to claim eligible medical expenses, including medical cannabis, on their income tax returns. You can claim the total eligible medical expenses on your income tax return on Line 33099 (Canada) or Line 33199 (Quebec) of the Federal Schedule 1 or Quebec Schedule S.

Also, medical cannabis expenses may be qualified for a tax deduction in the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) if you meet certain conditions.

You need the following for a successful application:

Prescription:

You must have a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare practitioner for medical cannabis.

Receipts and Documentation:

Keep all receipts and documentation related to your medical cannabis purchases and expenses and any other medical expenses you wish to claim.

Total Medical Expenses:

Medical expenses, including medical cannabis, are generally eligible for tax credits only if they exceed a certain threshold of your net income. The threshold is subject to change each tax year, so it’s essential to check the CRA’s website or consult with a tax professional.

Authorized Provider:

Ensure that the supplier or producer of the medical cannabis is an authorized provider under Health Canada’s Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR).

Eligible Conditions:

The medical condition for which you are using medical cannabis must be considered eligible under the tax regulations.

How To Claim Medical Cannabis On Your Insurance

Claiming medical cannabis on insurance can be a complicated process, and it’s essential to follow specific steps to increase the success of a successful claim. You first need to examine your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider to determine if medical cannabis is covered under your plan. If it does, the next thing is to under eligibility by familiarizing yourself with the conditions that qualify for medical cannabis coverage under your insurance plan.

After this, you can keep all receipts and documentation related to your medical cannabis purchases and expenses, including a valid prescription, as you may need to submit these receipts along with your claim. Ensure your prescription includes the necessary details, such as the dosage and duration of treatment.

When you incur medical cannabis expenses, submit a claim to your insurance provider according to their guidelines. This usually involves filling out a claim form and attaching the required documentation.

Note that some insurance companies may require pre-authorization before covering medical cannabis expenses. This means you may need to seek approval from your insurer before starting the treatment.

If your claim is denied, you may have the option to appeal the decision. You can contact your insurance provider to understand the appeal process and provide any additional information that may support your claim.

How To Claim Medical Cannabis Under Your Healthcare Spending Account

Claiming medical cannabis under a Healthcare Spending Account (HSA) can be similar to claiming other eligible medical expenses. An HSA, also known as a Health Spending Account or Health Expense Account, allows individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars to cover eligible medical expenses not covered by their regular health insurance plan.

The specific process for claiming medical cannabis under an HSA may vary depending on the administrator of your HSA and the guidelines they have in place. Here are some general steps to help you claim medical cannabis under your Healthcare Spending Account:

Check HSA Eligibility:

Confirm that medical cannabis expenses are eligible for reimbursement under your Healthcare Spending Account. HSA administrators have specific lists of eligible medical expenses, and medical cannabis may or may not be included.

Get a Valid Prescription:

Just like with insurance claims, you will need a valid prescription for medical cannabis from a licensed healthcare practitioner. Ensure that your prescription includes all the necessary details, such as the dosage and duration of treatment.

Keep Receipts and Documentation:

Save all receipts and documentation related to your medical cannabis purchases and expenses. Your HSA administrator may require these receipts for reimbursement.

Submit a Claim:

Check with your HSA administrator to understand the submission process. This involves filling out a claim form and providing the required documentation, including the medical cannabis receipts and the prescription.

Reimbursement:

Once your claim is processed and approved, you will likely receive reimbursement for the eligible medical cannabis expenses from your Healthcare Spending Account.

To claim medical marijuana from HSA, always adhere to any specific guidelines or rules set forth by your HSA administrator, as each administrator may have its policies for processing claims related to medical cannabis.

Also, stay within contribution limits. HSAs have annual contribution limits, so make sure that your medical cannabis expenses and other eligible medical expenses do not exceed the allowed amount.

Examples Of Insurance Companies Offering Medical Marijuana Coverage

Here are some of the insurance companies offering medical Marijuana coverage.

Sunlife

Sunlife offers a coverage plan that reimburses you for expenses on medical cannabis. This serves as part of a treatment plan for rheumatoid arthritis, cancer symptoms, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and individuals that need palliative care.

The plan you choose through your Healthcare Account determines how much you will be reimbursed. Also, medical marijuana can be covered via the Optional Coverage plan.

Greenshield

You can access coverage for medical marijuana through Optional Coverage. Greenshield reimburses your expenses on medical marijuana based on the diagnosis of any chronic neuropathic pain, nausea, and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy and spasticity due to multiple sclerosis.

The Cooperators

The Cooperators is another insurer that provides coverage for medical marijuana. They reimburse you for the money spent on medical cannabis for a diagnosis of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and chronic pain, muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS). You can access coverage through the Optional Coverage existing plan.

Desjardin

Desjardin offers coverage for medical marijuana used in the treatments of refractory neuralgia, cancer symptoms, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and multiple sclerosis-induced spasticity or a lesion of the spinal cord. You can access Cannabis coverage through a Healthcare Spending Account.

Manulife

Manulife cannabis reimbursement can be accessed through a Healthcare Spending Account. Manulife covers you if the medical marijuana is used for treating stiffness and involuntary muscle spasms if you are diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis, chronic neuropathic pain, and nausea and vomiting when undergoing chemotherapy.

Others include:

• Great West Life
• Alberta Blue Cross
• Medavie Blue Cross
• SSQ Insurance
• The Great-West Life Company

Examples of organizations where employers have included medical cannabis coverage under their employee health plan include the following:

• Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)
• Labourers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) – Local 625
• Loblaw Companies Limited
• The Arthritis Society

What Are The Benefits Of Medical Marijuana in Canada?

The benefits of medical cannabis are based on scientific research and patient experiences, but it’s essential to note that the effectiveness may vary from person to person. Here are some potential benefits of medical marijuana in Canada:

Pain Management:

Medical cannabis is often used to alleviate chronic pain caused by arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathy. It helps to reduce pain and improve the overall quality of life for some individuals.

Nausea and Vomiting:

Medical cannabis has been used to reduce nausea and vomiting, particularly in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or individuals with conditions like HIV/AIDS.

Muscle Spasticity:

For conditions such as multiple sclerosis, medical cannabis may help reduce muscle spasms and spasticity.

Epilepsy and Seizures:

Certain forms of medical cannabis, such as CBD-based medications, have shown promise in reducing the severity and frequency of seizures in some individuals with epilepsy.

Appetite Stimulation:

Medical cannabis may help stimulate appetite, particularly for patients experiencing appetite loss due to medical treatments or conditions.

Mental Health Conditions:

Some individuals with mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, have found relief with medical cannabis.

Sleep Disorders:

Medical cannabis may help some individuals with insomnia or other sleep disorders improve their sleep patterns.

Anti-inflammatory Effects:

Medical cannabis contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which may benefit individuals with inflammatory conditions.

People Also Ask:

How Much Is Medical Marijuana In Ontario?

As of August 2021, the average price for a gram of good quality medical marijuana in Ontario was around 13.3 Canadian dollars in dispensaries.

Is it Possible to Get A Medical Marijuana Card In Canada?

Yes, it is possible to get a medical marijuana card in Canada. To access a medical cannabis card, you must have obtained a prescription from a health care practitioner and a completed form on your medical cannabis prescription and why it is deemed appropriate for your symptoms or ailments.

Does Alberta Blue Cross Cover Medical Marijuana?

Yes, Alberta Blue Cross covers medical cannabis. They offer group coverage for medicinal cannabis, but it has specific limitations and criteria to be met. The group coverage is on an optional basis.

What Qualifies For Medical Marijuana In Canada?

To be eligible for medical cannabis, you must have any of these symptoms and illnesses. However, the specific symptoms or ailments differ from one insurer to another. However, here are the general symptoms or illnesses you can cover for medical marijuana.

• Epilepsy.
• Cancer.
• Fibromyalgia.
• Arthritis
• Anxiety.
• Chronic pain.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Gastrointestinal issues.

How Many Medical Marijuana Patients Are In Canada?

The number of patients of medical marijuana duly registered with federally licensed sellers dropped by 3% from 232,105 in September 2022 to 224,474 in December 2022, according to the Data by Canada.ca.

Conclusion

Yes, medical marijuana is covered by insurance in Canada, but the extent of the coverage and the eligibility differ from one insurer to another. Also, you can claim the money you spent on medical marijuana on your income tax, and you will be reimbursed if you meet the criteria stated by the Tax Authority.