This bill mandates that workers' compensation, personal injury protection (PIP), and health insurance plans provide coverage for the medical use of cannabis for qualifying patients authorized under the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act. Specifically, it inserts provisions that require employers, workers' compensation insurance carriers, and private passenger automobile insurance carriers to cover costs associated with medical cannabis, while also stating that they are not obligated to do so if the federal government intervenes to enforce the Controlled Substances Act. Additionally, the bill ensures that if payment to a medical cannabis dispensary is not feasible, the employer or insurer must reimburse the patient directly upon proof of payment.

The bill also emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis, citing its effectiveness in treating various conditions and potentially reducing reliance on prescription opioids. It aims to expand access to medical cannabis by ensuring that insurance coverage is available, thereby alleviating the financial burden on patients. The legislation will take effect 90 days after its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24:6I-14