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 for individuals who are qualifying patients authorized for medical cannabis use as per the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act. Additionally, the bill clarifies that employers, workers' compensation 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 aims to enhance access to medical cannabis for patients who need it for treatment, while also potentially reducing costs associated with more expensive medications like opioids.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24:6I-14