If you are considering becoming a medical marijuana patient in Connecticut, it is important to understand how costs are handled. The state’s legislation makes it clear that health insurance companies are not required to cover or reimburse any expenses related to the medical marijuana program. This means that patients are responsible for paying out of pocket for the doctor’s evaluation, the state registration fee, and any cannabis products purchased at dispensaries.
Even if your physician certifies you for medical marijuana, your insurance plan will not offset these costs. This applies to both private insurance and public programs such as Medicaid. Patients should plan ahead for the initial evaluation, the application fee charged by the Department of Consumer Protection, and the ongoing expense of purchasing cannabis products.
In practice, while Connecticut’s program provides legal access and protections for patients, it does not shift the financial burden to insurance providers. Patients should budget accordingly and be prepared to cover all costs themselves.