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In response to recent legalization efforts, SSQ Insurance will be offering coverage for medical cannabis expenses starting January 01, 2019.
“This coverage, in compliance with federal law on medical marijuana use, is for those for whom traditional prescription drugs have been deemed ineffective,” SSQ Insurance senior vice-president of strategies and product management Éric Trudel in a statement.
According to a release, eligibility for the expenses incurred for purchasing medical cannabis will be determined by SSQ Insurance, to control group insurance costs. Prior authorization from SSQ Insurance will be required before coverage is given.
Only medical cannabis used to treat the following medical conditions (when standard pharmacological treatments have not worked) will be covered:
The medical cannabis must also be prescribed by an authorized physician or nurse, and must be purchased solely from a licensed vendor duly authorized by Health Canada.
SSQ Insurance will continue to “monitor legislative changes and clinical advances in the field,” and will make adjustments to the eligibility conditions as needed.
