Will Medicare pay for CBD oil?
Neither CBD oil nor medical marijuana is a drug covered by Medicare. While CBD oil and medical marijuana can be prescribed by a doctor and obtained at dispensaries, it's not a legalized drug federally. For a drug to qualify for Medicare, it must be legal and FDA approved.
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Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jun 24, 2023
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UPDATED: Jun 24, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- CBD oil is not federally legal if derived from marijuana
- Cannabis for medical use is legal in 36 states
- CBD is being researched to treat Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, among others
CBD oil is a wave that’s capturing the healthcare industry. It’s being studied as a treatment for many diseases and ailments such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and even mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and anxiety.
By definition, CBD oil is derived from cannabis and is a type of cannabinoids. However, it does not create the psychoactive “high” effect like Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabinoids are the chemicals naturally found in marijuana plants.
Even though its uses in health care are being studied, CBD oil and other products like it are not legal in most states or federally. Because it’s not federally legalized, does Medicare cover CBD oil?
What are the parameters of Medicare insurance?
To find supplemental Medicare coverage rates in your area for Plan C, enter your ZIP code in the free tool above.
Does Medicare cover CBD oil?
Is CBD oil covered by Medicare?
At this time, Medicare does not cover CBD oil under Medicare Plan D or drug coverage. CBD oil has not been legalized at the federal level and Medicare coverage is a federal benefit.
Do other medical insurance providers cover CBD oil or does medical insurance cover medical marijuana? The answer remains the same. Cannabis products aren’t federally legal and can’t be covered by any type of health insurance provider whether private or public.
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Is medical marijuana covered by Medicare? Is medical marijuana covered by insurance?
Does Medicare cover medical marijuana or any other type of cannabis product?
No, like CBD oil, no cannabis-related drugs are covered by Medicare.
As previously mentioned, Medicare Plan D typically covers any drug, prescription, or medical device-related claims for Medicare recipients. For a drug to be covered under Medicare, it must meet the following requirements:
- Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Available by prescription
- Medically necessary
While cannabis products may be legal in some states, it’s not legal federally and the same rules that apply to Medicare apply to standard private health insurance.
Do CBD dispensaries accept insurance?
Dispensaries are set up to offer cannabis products for medical use much like a pharmacy is set up to offer prescriptions.
Even though a dispensary setup may look similar to a pharmacy, it is quite different. Dispensaries can’t accept insurance even when CBD oil or medical marijuana is prescribed by a doctor.
Cannabis products are legal in 36 states for medical purposes. In these 36 states, CBD oil and medical marijuana can be obtained with a medical marijuana card. To receive a card, you must have a prescription from a doctor and qualify for a listed condition such as anxiety or epilepsy.
What’s the difference between CBD oil and medical marijuana?
CBD oil and medical marijuana are both a type of cannabinoid. The main difference between CBD oil and medical marijuana is the psychoactive effect of Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. CBD oil derived from hemp generally contains only a trace amount of THC (0.3%), but not enough to create a “high”.
Both cannabis products may be used medicinally but only the products that include THC will produce the feeling of being “high”.
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CBD oil and Medical Marijuana Insurance Coverage
These questions have become common for those seeking to use cannabis products like CBD oil for medical use:
- Does Medicare cover CBD oil?
- Does Medicare pay for medical marijuana?
- Does insurance cover CBD oil?
- Does insurance cover medical marijuana?
Although each question is somewhat different, the answer is the same for each. CBD oil and medical marijuana are both cannabinoid products that are not covered by any health insurance — private or public — including Medicare.
The primary difference between CBD oil and medical marijuana is the inclusion of THC, which creates the psychoactive effect.
Find supplemental Medicare coverage rates in your area by entering your ZIP code in the free tool below.
Case Studies: Medicare Coverage for CBD Oil
Case Study 1: John’s Pain Management Journey
John, a 65-year-old Medicare beneficiary, has been dealing with chronic pain caused by arthritis for several years. Conventional pain medications have provided little relief, and he has heard positive experiences from others who have used CBD oil for pain management. However, John wonders if Medicare will cover the cost of CBD oil and if it can be a viable alternative for his pain treatment.
Case Study 2: Mary’s Anxiety Treatment Options
Mary, a 72-year-old Medicare enrollee, has been struggling with anxiety and sleep disorders. After researching potential natural remedies, she discovered that CBD oil could potentially alleviate her symptoms. As a Medicare beneficiary, Mary wonders if CBD oil would be an eligible treatment option and if it would be covered by her Medicare plan.
Case Study 3: Robert’s Epilepsy Treatment
Robert, a 55-year-old Medicare recipient, has been living with epilepsy for most of his adult life. He has been exploring alternative treatment options and has heard promising stories about the effectiveness of CBD oil in reducing seizure frequency. However, Robert is uncertain whether Medicare would cover the costs associated with using CBD oil for his epilepsy management.
Case Study 4: Jane’s Palliative Care
Jane, a 78-year-old Medicare beneficiary, is receiving palliative care for her advanced cancer. She has been experiencing severe pain and discomfort, and her doctor has suggested considering CBD oil as a complementary therapy to manage her symptoms. However, Jane is unsure if Medicare would cover the cost of CBD oil in her palliative care plan.
Case Study 5: Michael’s Multiple Sclerosis Management
Michael, a 62-year-old Medicare enrollee, has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and experiences muscle spasms and chronic pain as a result. He has come across research indicating that CBD oil might help alleviate his symptoms, but he wants to know if Medicare will cover the expenses associated with using CBD oil as part of his MS management plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t Medicare cover CBD oil?
Medicare follows federal regulations and guidelines when determining what services and medications are covered. As of now, CBD oil is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which means it is illegal at the federal level. Since Medicare only covers medications and treatments that are approved by the FDA and legal under federal law, CBD oil is not eligible for coverage.
Are there any circumstances where Medicare might cover CBD oil?
As of the current regulations, Medicare does not provide coverage for CBD oil under any circumstances. However, it’s essential to stay updated with any changes in federal and state laws that may impact CBD oil’s legal status and potential coverage in the future.
Are there alternative medications or treatments that Medicare covers for similar conditions?
Yes, Medicare does cover various medications and treatments for specific conditions. If you are seeking alternatives to CBD oil, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider to explore Medicare-approved options available for your particular condition.
Can private insurance plans cover CBD oil?
Private insurance plans may have different coverage policies than Medicare. Some private insurers may offer coverage for CBD oil or related products, depending on the specific plan and the state regulations. It’s important to review your private insurance plan’s coverage details or contact your insurer directly to inquire about their policies regarding CBD oil.
Is CBD oil considered a prescription medication?
CBD oil is available in various forms, including prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and supplements. However, regardless of its form, Medicare does not cover CBD oil under any of its plans.
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Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.