This bill mandates that workers' compensation, personal injury protection (PIP), and health insurance plans provide coverage for the medical use of cannabis under specific conditions. It stipulates that coverage is required if the insured, employee, or covered person is a qualifying patient authorized for medical cannabis use as per the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act. Additionally, the bill clarifies that employers, insurance carriers, and health insurers are not obligated to provide this coverage if the federal government intervenes to enforce the Controlled Substances Act.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that ensure if payment to a medical cannabis dispensary is not feasible, the employer or insurance carrier must reimburse the insured, employee, or covered person directly upon proof of payment. This legislation aims to enhance access to medical cannabis for patients who need it for various medical conditions while also potentially reducing costs associated with more expensive treatments like opioids.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24:6I-14