As medical marijuana in Florida gains popularity as an alternative to pharmaceuticals, many people wonder if health insurance covers the cost of this treatment. The blunt answer is no, insurance will not pay for medical marijuana. The reason why is a bit complicated, and just because insurance doesn’t currently cover it, doesn’t mean it will be that way forever.
Why Does Insurance Not Cover Medical Marijuana?
We understand how helpful medical cannabis is for patients suffering from a variety of qualifying conditions. However, the legalization of medical marijuana in Florida is still relatively new. That, paired with the fact that marijuana is still considered a Schedule 1 drug by the DEA, may be responsible for health insurance not currently covering it.
According to the DEA, “Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” Some believe the DEA’s inclusion of marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug is a bit dated. Still, as more states legalize medical marijuana, the DEA might change where marijuana falls in their drug scheduling list.
Will Health Insurance Ever Cover Medical Cannabis?
We are not sure if health insurance will ever extend benefits covering medical marijuana, but there is hope. The FDA has shown support for the continued research of medical marijuana in certain situations, which may help the case for expanded legalization and coverage in the future.
The laws surrounding medical marijuana continuously change, often benefiting patients and expanding who can qualify for this life-changing treatment option. While insurance does not cover medical marijuana or the process of obtaining it right now, it doesn’t mean it will always be that way.
Contact a Florida Medical Marijuana Doctor
At MMTCFL, we understand that everyone’s financial situation is unique. We believe that medical marijuana should be made as accessible as possible to qualifying patients. That is why we provide risk-free, in-office assessments. If you make an appointment with one of our medical marijuana doctors, and you do not qualify for medical cannabis, then the cost of this initial visit is free.
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