As the acceptance of medical cannabis grows, more insurance companies in Canada are including it in their plans. If you're wondering whether your insurance plan covers medical cannabis, Mendo is here to help. The extent of coverage depends on your specific plan and the medical condition you're treating. This article will provide a clear overview of the available options, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Medical Cannabis Insurance Plans in Canada
Below is a summary of the most common insurance companies in Canada and their medical cannabis coverage:
The Cooperators
The Cooperators offer reimbursement for medical cannabis for chronic pain, muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS), and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Coverage is available through Optional Coverage in existing plans, with reimbursement of up to 80% of eligible expenses.
The Cooperators also provide support when obtaining prescriptions as well as a 24-hour helpline, in addition to reimbursement.
Desjardin
Desjardin provides coverage for cancer symptom treatments, refractory neuralgia, nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, and spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis or spinal cord lesions. Access cannabis coverage through a Healthcare Spending Account, with reimbursement of up to 80% of eligible expenses.
Desjardin can also help you find the best route for obtaining prescriptions. In addition, Desjardin has a 24-hour helpline to answer any questions you may have on medical cannabis coverage.
Greenshield
Greenshield covers medical cannabis for chronic neuropathic pain, spasticity due to multiple sclerosis, and nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy. The coverage for medical cannabis is available through Optional Coverage, with a maximum of $1,500 per prescription per calendar year.
Green Shield will only cover prescribed doses for licensed producers and concerns related to the medical use of cannabis. Green Shield may also cover certain supplies or services related to cannabis such as vaporizers.
Manulife/Manuvie
Manulife offers cannabis coverage and reimbursement through a Healthcare Spending Account for stiffness and involuntary muscle spasms in people with multiple sclerosis, nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients, and chronic neuropathic pain. Manulife offers reimbursement of up to 80% of eligible expenses.
Manulife also provides personalized support with the prescription process, and any other questions you may have.
Sun life
Sun life provides coverage for medical cannabis as part of a treatment plan for cancer symptoms, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS, and palliative care. Reimbursement amounts depend on the chosen Healthcare Account plan. Optional Coverage plans may also include medical cannabis.
Sunlife covers medical cannabis under the Medavie Blue Cross program, which provides a maximum coverage limit of $6,000 per year per person. This coverage is subject to the usual restrictions, such as reduction in benefit payment when the patient has other coverage, along with limited medical advice available on medical cannabis.
Supporting Our Veterans
Mendo work closely with Veteran Affairs/ Bluecross, the first Canadian insurance company to provide medical cannabis coverage. Veterans Affairs covers up to three grams of medical cannabis per day, with a spending limit of $8.50 per gram for more serious cases.
Mendo offer direct billing for our Veterans covered by Bluecross/VAC, you don't have to pay upfront when you order your medicine. Our team will also make sure to help you with anything regarding your coverage or your experience using our platform.
How Mendo Can Assist You
Mendo handles patients' insurance and benefits coverage on a case-by-case basis.
Our team of medical cannabis experts has comprehensive knowledge of the insurance industry and the requirements for medical cannabis coverage.
Feel free to reach out for assistance. We're here to support you.
Ready to become a member ?