Does Health Insurance Cover CBD Oil?

Marijuana and cannabis-related products are becoming very popular for their medicinal value in the United States. One of the products that patients are seeking to use is cannabis oil, or CBD.

There is a growing body of evidence that supports the medicinal benefits of cannabis. It has been found to be beneficial for all types of ailments, including cancer, glaucoma, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, diabetic nerve pain, and so much more. Since CBD oil is so beneficial for medical use, many who are seeking to use it wonder if their health insurance company will help them cover the cost of this medicine.

If you have been told that CBD oil can be beneficial for you for medical reasons, then you might be wondering if you can seek financial assistance from your health insurance company. Read on to find out more about CBD oil and health insurance.

What is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol (usually referred to simply as CBD) oil is a natural compound that is found in the cannabis plant. It works together with other compounds that are found in the plant, such as delta-9 tetrahydrocannobinol (THC) – the most commonly recognized cannabis compound.

But, unlike THC, CBS is the least non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. That is to say that it does not have any effect on your state of mind. In other words, it does not create the “high” feeling that THC does. However, it does posses the same powerful medicinal qualities as THC and other compounds that are found in cannabis. This is exactly why it is more preferred for medical use than other parts of the marijuana plant.

Will Health Insurance Plans Cover CBD Oil?

In short, the answer to this question is: No.

But with the growing body of evidence that supports the medicinal benefits of CBD oil, and the countless doctors who are prescribing it, why isn’t it covered by health insurance companies? There are two reasons:

• Marijuana is considered a Schedule 1 controlled substance under the United States Federal Government. As such, any compounds that are associated with this plant, including CBD oil, cannot be prescribed legally.
• It is not approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Since it cannot be legally prescribed and it is not approved for use by the FDA, health insurance companies will not cover the cost of CBD oil, even if it is prescribed by a doctor for medicinal uses.

What Options Are Available?

If you have learned that CBD oil can benefit you for medical reasons, you have a few options.

One option is to purchase CBD oil from a dispensary and pay for the cost out of your own pocket. Another option is to use another medication that offers the same benefits as CBD oil but has been approved by the FDA. Insurance companies will cover the cost of alternative medications that have been covered by the FDA. If you prefer this option, speak to your doctor to find out which options would be beneficial for you. There are a few different choices, and each one offers different benefits. Make sure you find out which alternative medicine would be in your best interest before you start taking one.

Will CBD Oil Ever Be Covered by Health Insurance?

It is difficult to answer that question. Currently, no health insurance plan in the United States will cover the cost of CBD oil, but that is not to say that this will not change in the future.

The evidence that supports the benefits of CBD oil for medicinal use continues to grow. More and more doctors and researchers are supporting the use of this product, and more and more patients are requesting it. Additionally, more states are getting on board with the use of medical marijuana and CBD oil. In other words, the future for CBD oil being covered by health insurance companies does look bright. But, with that said, there really is no way to tell.

Speak to Your Doctor and Insurance Company

Until CBD oil is approved by health insurance companies, speak to your doctor and your health insurance provider to find out alternative options. As mentioned, there may be other medications available that will offer the same benefits as CBD oil and that are covered by health insurance companies. If you find that there is an alternative medication, make sure that you speak to your health insurance provider to find out if your plan will cover the cost of the medication.

The Bottom Line

While currently, CBD oil is not covered by health insurance companies, there is a good chance that it will be in the future. Until then, however, you can take this medication (in an area that legally permits the use for medicinal purposes), but you will have to pay for it out of your own pocket.