Industry Updates
N.J. Bill Addresses Medical Marijuana Cover

• Thomas Harman
• November 2018
• 

A New Jersey bill would require workers' compensation and automobile insurers to cover the costs where a qualifying patient was authorized for the medical use of marijuana and at least one other medication or treatment has been attempted and found to be unsuccessful in treating a debilitating condition, according to Assembly Bill 4505.

“By requiring coverage for medical marijuana under workers' compensation and private passenger automobile insurance, access to these benefits will be expanded,” the bill said. “Additionally, medical marijuana may lower costs for insurers by providing a more economical alternative to more expensive and risky drugs such as opioids.” The bill said marijuana has significant medical value when used in treatment of certain injuries and diseases and has potential therapeutic value from effects such as anxiety reduction. The bill said marijuana use is limited because its costs currently are not covered by insurance. The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies opposed the bill.