Update – September 6, 2019: See a list of insurance providers covering medical cannabis here.
Insurance company Medavie Blue Cross has introduced a new Extended Health Care benefit that will cover medical cannabis. The benefit is available as an optional, stand-alone coverage option for plan sponsors starting in October 2018 – an exciting step forward for our Canada House patients!
What’s covered
Coverage will be considered for certain conditions based on Canadian Family Physician Guidelines for prescribing medical cannabinoids:
- Chronic neuropathic pain
- Refractory pain in palliative cancer
- Nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy
- Spasticity in multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury
The medical cannabis benefit is provided as a reimbursement benefit covering fresh and dried cannabis and cannabis oil. Other cannabis products and products related to the consumption of cannabis will be ineligible.
How to qualify
To qualify for reimbursement, plan members must receive pre-authorization and obtain medical cannabis in accordance with the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR).
Medavie Blue Cross says they will continue to monitor the latest clinical evidence and emerging trends to assess the new benefit on an ongoing basis.
The company joins other insurers such as Sun Life Financial, SSQ Insurance, and Green Shield Canada in providing coverage for medical cannabis.
Become a patient
Canada House specializes in patient-specific cannabinoid treatment plans. Learn more about becoming a patient.
Source: Medavie Blue Cross Announcement