North Dakota voters approved medical marijuana legalization by nearly 64 percent in the November election. However, state health insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Medica and Sanford Health Plan are refusing to cover cannabis medical treatments.
Fargo-based BCBS of North Dakota spokesperson Andrea Dineen told The Bismarck Tribune because the Food and Drug Administration has not approved the dispensation of medical marijuana, payers have a difficult time issuing coverage.
Minnetonka, Minn.-based Medica said it will not cover medical marijuana in North Dakota. Greg Bury, senior manager for public relations at Medica, said, "We don't cover it in Minnesota nor will we in North Dakota. We don't believe the efficacy has yet been established," according to the report. Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health Plan also will not cover medical marijuana for its North Dakota policyholders.
Without insurance coverage, the cost of medical marijuana can be unaffordable to individuals living in states where the drug is legalized.