Since 2021, Kif offers a streamlined platform to get a medical marijuana card online. We have served more than 45K patients across the United States. Sign Up Now to get the right to use medical cannabis for your health condition without any delay.
There are many uncertainties about the legalization of medical cannabis and its implications for patients who rely on it. A frequently asked question is whether traditional health insurance plans provide coverage for medical cannabis.
Regarding employment and medical cannabis, employers have the option to hire or terminate individuals who use medical cannabis. Although they are not obligated to do so. The laws about this issue vary across states. In case of legal disputes, many states tend to favor employers rather than patients. Although there have been instances where patients have challenged their employers.
Cannabis is still considered illegal at the federal level. Despite the existence of legal cannabis programs in more than half of the country, the federal government continues to classify cannabis as a controlled substance. Still, an increasing number of employers are starting to change their stance on medical cannabis.
When it comes to health insurance, insurance companies have the freedom to decide which drugs they will cover. The same is likely to apply to employers and their policies on hiring and terminating employees based on cannabis use.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a system designed to provide financial and medical support to employees. It includes monetary help and healthcare benefits that help cover medical costs.
Eligibility for this type of coverage is limited to employees who experience injuries related to their job. The injury can be slipping and falling at work. In such cases, the employer handles the medical expenses associated with the injury.
Workers’ Compensation and Medical Marijuana
If you have an accident resulting in a broken leg, workers’ compensation might cover the expenses. These expenses can include the use of medical marijuana for pain relief or other symptoms.
Workers’ compensation allows for more flexibility in medical cannabis. Six states, Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Jersey, and Minnesota, have specific requirements that mandate workers’ compensation plans to reimburse individuals.
But, residing in one of these states doesn’t guarantee automatic reimbursement. According to the CDC, reimbursement from workers’ compensation is considered a medical benefit. This benefit relies on the worker’s approved participation in the state’s medical cannabis access program and adherence to the administrative rules.
The CDC also emphasizes that several factors come into play when claiming medical marijuana expenses through workers’ compensation insurance. These factors include:
1) Providing proof of registration in the state’s medical marijuana program.
2) Demonstrating that cannabis treatment is a last resort.
Six states—Maine, Massachusetts, Florida, North Dakota, Ohio, and Washington—prohibit the reimbursement of medical marijuana through workers’ compensation claims. Fourteen states have no rule for reimbursement. Ten states, along with the District of Columbia, have not provided any stance on the matter.
How to File For Workers’ Compensation as a Medical Marijuana Patient
The regulations about cannabis vary from state to state. So it’s best to contact your state’s health department for accurate information.
If you live in one of the six states where workers’ compensation covers medical cannabis expenses, get in touch with your workers’ compensation benefits provider. Each employer and state has their own policies. But you must be a registered medical marijuana patient in your state.
If your state does not address the issue of workers’ compensation for medical cannabis, it’s advisable to contact your workers’ compensation insurance provider. Inquire about their policy about medical marijuana. But remember that reimbursement may only apply if you live in one of the six states.
It’s important to be aware that some employers may need drug screening. Drug screening can be done for receiving workers’ compensation. Failing the drug test could make you ineligible for workers’ compensation benefits altogether.
The decision on what expenses are covered by workers’ compensation often lies with the employer. Understanding your employer’s policies will assist you in making informed choices.
Conclusion
The coverage of medical cannabis by workers’ compensation varies depending on the state and employer policies. It is crucial for individuals to familiarize themselves with the specific regulations in their state. They should also consult with their state’s health department for accurate information.
Also Read: How To Modify The Dosage of Medical Cannabis In New York?
