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The legalization of marijuana for medical and treatment purposes across several U.S. states has increased the discussion on its viability and safety. The issue remains controversial up to this day, especially as cannabis is listed by the Drug Enforcement Agency as a Schedule 1 drug, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and is seen to have no presently acceptable medical purpose for healing.

Studies on the effectiveness of consuming or inhaling cannabis are few and proof of their sustained positive effects are limited. Still, a growing number of senior citizens are turning to this alternative form of medicine to address a wide number of ageing related conditions and illnesses.

Medical Marijuana and Senior Citizens

According to the National Council for Aging Care, the number of senior citizens using medical marijuana has increased by a whopping 250 percent from 2006 to 2013. In a 2018 study conducted by physicians from the geriatric and palliative medicine at Northwell Health in New York, it was also revealed nine out of 10 seniors like using this product for addressing chronic pain and said they will recommend that their friends and loved ones take it as well.

Those who have used medical cannabis for treatment purposes present reasonable proof that it works, although because it is an herbal product, doctors caution that its effects may differ from person to person. Still, it has not stopped advocates of this treatment to promote it as reliable in terms of treating a wide number of child, adult, and senior health problems such as general pain, Alzheimer’s disease, mental health disorders and anxiety, eating disorders, sleep problems, neurological deficits, glaucoma, and more.

The Legalities of Medical Cannabis

Before moving forward to whether medical marijuana is qualified under Medicare coverage, we have to first understand the legal and state implications related to its use. First, it is classified as a Schedule 1 Drug, which means it is not generally accepted as safe for use. It is also not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is a primary prerequisite for qualifying for Medicare assistance. Although in some states, medical marijuana is considered acceptable and fully legal, it will first need the approval of the FDA for it to be classified as a true medical program.

Do note that for a drug or a treatment to obtain an FDA seal of approval, it will have to undergo clinical trials involving thousands of human subjects to determine the measurable benefits and true risks from its use. To date, there are no large-scale studies that will show the effectiveness of medical cannabis and prove that its benefits outweigh its risks and potential addictive issues.

Medical Marijuana and Medicare Assistance

So, does Medicare cover medical marijuana and its components? For now, it’s a big NO. If your doctor prescribes medical marijuana as part of your treatment program, even if you are in a state that declares it as legal, Medicare reserves the right to refuse shouldering its related expenses. Take note that you will first need a Medicare Part D policy to be able to seek subsidy or full coverage for prescription drugs, otherwise you will have to sign up for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) to obtain assistance for medications.

Despite this snag, seniors who are supporters of medical marijuana shouldn’t lose hope just yet. This is because there are certain prescription drugs that may mimic the effects of cannabis, which then may be acceptable in Medicare or Medigap’s list of medications for coverage. It’s best that you speak with your healthcare provider to find the best options for care that will still be covered by your policy. Otherwise, be prepared to shoulder the out-of-pocket costs of incorporating medical cannabis to your maintenance or treatment program. If you have questions about the role of Medicare in the use of medical marijuana, talk to a qualified advisor who can help lay out all your choices before you make a decision. Medical cannabis is increasingly being accepted as a solid form of treatment for various types of illnesses. As its proponents launch more campaigns and conduct more research and studies about its effectiveness, it’s not really entirely impossible that Medicare and Medigap would also take it under their wings in the future.