Insurance Coverage for Medical Cannabis
More insurance providers are offering coverage for patients’ medical cannabis treatments as part of extended health benefits plans. Health Spending Accounts (HSA’s) within many benefits plans can generally be used for this purpose. We have included a chart below showing some of these providers and the parameters of their insurance coverage for medical cannabis. Be sure to check with your provider to determine whether you are eligible for coverage and understand the documentation required to process claims for your medical cannabis treatments. Some insurance providers require per-authorization and will only cover certain conditions (see below for examples).
Canada House is committed to assisting in the completion of these documents, as required.
How to process an insurance claim for medical cannabis:
Step 1:
Call or email your insurance provider regarding your plan and coverage for medical cannabis treatments. See your provider’s website for contact details.
Step 2:
If coverage is available for you, confirm and download/print any documentation that will be required to submit your claim.
Step 3:
Bring documentation requiring Canada House’ validation of medical cannabis treatments to your next appointment.
Step 4:
Submit your claim with all information required by your provider through regular channels. Direct billing is not possible at Canada House at this time.
Health Spending Accounts
Some healthcare plans have a Health Spending Account component. An HSA is a per-determined amount of funds that can be used to cover eligible out-of-pocket health-related costs that aren’t covered by your group healthcare plan.
Is medical cannabis eligible?
Medical cannabis (or medical marijuana/marihuana) is listed as an eligible medical expense by the Canadian Revenue Agency. Most HSA’s base their eligible benefits list on the Canada Revenue Agency List of Eligible Expenses. However, you should always contact your HR department or plan administrator to verify that medical cannabis will be covered under your HSA.
How to process an insurance claim for medical cannabis with an HSA:
Step 1:
Contact your HR department or plan administrator to verify that:
a) you have a healthcare spending account as part of your workplace benefits plan, and
b) your company will cover medical cannabis as a medical expense for your health spending account. If it is covered, ask for your insurance provider’s reimbursement form.
Step 2:
Complete form for reimbursement. Follow the instructions carefully. Remember you will likely need to have a copy of your prescription for medical cannabis from a physician and receipt(s) showing you purchased your medical cannabis from a Health Canada-approved licensed producer.
Step 3:
Send the completed form along with all required documentation to your insurance provider.
Insurance providers covering medical cannabis
DISCLAIMER: While every effort has been made to ensure the veracity of this information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy at all times. You should always speak with your insurance provider to verify what coverage you may have.
Claiming medical cannabis expenses on taxes
If medical cannabis is not covered under your group health plan or a health spending account, you can still claim your medical cannabis expenses on your tax return. Only those with medical authorization who have ordered cannabis through a Health Canada-approved licensed producer will be eligible. Keep your prescription and receipts on hand in case the Canada Revenue Agency asks to see them.