Why Insurance Doesn’t Pay for Medical Marijuana in Arkansas

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If you have a medical marijuana card in Arkansas, you may have noticed that health insurance doesn’t cover the cost of your dispensary purchases, state fee, or related medical visits.

Even though Arkansas has a well-established medical marijuana program, insurance companies are not yet able to offer coverage, which has less to do with the state and more to do with how marijuana is treated under federal law.

The Real Barrier: Federal Law

The biggest obstacle to insurance coverage is not state law but federal law. Marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it is considered to have no accepted medical use, at least at the federal level. Due to this classification, many insurers are not able to treat marijuana like prescription medicine.

Since marijuana is federally restricted, neither private insurance companies nor government-backed health plans can reimburse patients for marijuana purchases, state application fees, or marijuana-related medical visits. 

Federal lawmakers and regulators are increasingly considering changes to marijuana’s classification. If it is reclassified, insurers would finally be legally allowed to cover it.

What Could Change: The Role of Rescheduling and Reform

There is growing discussion at the federal level about reclassifying marijuana. If marijuana is moved from Schedule I to a lower schedule, such as Schedule III, insurers would finally be legally allowed to cover it.

Patients in Arkansas and across the country are watching closely because President Trump signaled that rescheduling marijuana could be on his agenda again. If rescheduling happens, insurance companies would finally be able to evaluate marijuana the same way they review other medical treatments. Over time, coverage would be allowed for products that have strong safety profiles and clearly defined dosing.

Rescheduling marijuana is the legal change that would allow insurance companies to cover it. FDA approval is not required to remove the legal barrier, but it does make insurers more confident in covering specific products. As more marijuana products complete clinical trials and FDA review, insurers would likely feel more comfortable including them in their coverage plans. This could eventually lead to expanded access and lower out-of-pocket costs for patients.

What This Means for Arkansas Patients Right Now

Today, if you are an Arkansas patient using medical marijuana, you should prepare to pay for your marijuana and related medical visits out of pocket. Insurance does not cover these costs under the current legal framework, even though the state allows medical marijuana.

Still, there are important reasons to keep your medical marijuana card:

• It gives you legal access to licensed dispensaries, where marijuana is produced and tested under regulated conditions.

• As federal policy evolves, having your card in place means you’ll already be part of the system that could benefit from changes in insurance coverage.

Staying Informed Is Key

Since the legal landscape could shift, it’s smart to stay up to date. Follow our blog and sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss any important updates about marijuana law, insurance reform, and patient resources. When change comes, being informed gives you the best chance to take full advantage.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Medical marijuana is legal in Arkansas, and we can help you renew your medical card TODAY! If you qualify for your renewal, give us a call, and we can help!

You need your medical card to access any of Arkansas’ medical dispensaries. Not to worry, because it is now easier than ever to renew your card with Arkansas Marijuana Card!

Telemedicine makes it easy for you to renew your card from the comfort of your own home! Schedule an appointment with one of our physicians to get started today!

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Doctors Who Care

Relief You Can Trust

Here at Arkansas Marijuana Card, we aim to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

Call us at (844)-249-8714 today, or book an appointment here.

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