The expense associated with cannabis when it's prescribed by a doctor.
In Germany, the use of medical cannabis is a topic of growing interest, with approximately one-third of all application for reimbursement being rejected by health insurance companies.
When a reimbursement application is denied, patients have the right to appeal the decision to the social court. Here, judges review whether the health insurance company's decision was too restrictive.
The cost of medical cannabis can vary significantly. For instance, a daily user of about a gram of medical cannabis flowers can expect monthly expenses between 240 and 750 euros. The cost per gram in pharmacies ranges between 8 and 25 euros.
Extracts and oils for medical cannabis are more expensive, with a 10-ml bottle costing between 200 and 350 euros, depending on the active ingredient concentration. Highly concentrated extracts can cost over 1,000 euros per month, making long-term financing difficult for many patients.
Capsules for medical cannabis can cost up to 400 euros per monthly supply. The average out-of-pocket cost for medical cannabis on prescription in Germany typically ranges between €150 and €300 per month, depending on dosage and cannabis variety.
The statutory health insurance in Germany only covers the costs of medical cannabis if there is a "serious illness" and no other therapy has been effective. Some private health insurers cover cannabis therapies under certain conditions, which can ease access for patients.
High out-of-pocket costs can result from a rejection by the health insurance company, with several hundred to over a thousand euros per month depending on the dosage. Hardship regulations exist to financially support severely ill people, though they may not cover the full cost of medical cannabis.
Lengthy proceedings in the social court can lead to retrospective cost coverage. Patient organizations and specialized advisory centres offer support during the appeal process.
Studies suggest that cannabis can be cost-effective in the long run for certain indications, as it reduces follow-up treatments. Transparency in cannabis pricing and bureaucratic hurdles remains a key issue for patients, as health policy decisions are necessary to improve the cost structure and accessibility of medical cannabis.
It's important to note that a detailed justification from the doctor is required to prove the benefit of cannabis in a specific case. Discontinuing the treatment due to financial reasons can lead to an increase in chronic pain, harder control of spasms or epileptic seizures, and psychological stress.
In conclusion, while medical cannabis can offer significant benefits for certain patients, the costs and accessibility remain challenging issues. Ongoing discussions and policy changes are necessary to ensure that patients have fair and affordable access to this treatment option.
Read also:
- Zigbee and LoRa Low-Power Internet of Things (IoT) Network Protocols: The Revolution in Data Transmission and Networking
- Weekly happenings in the German federal parliament, Bundestag
- Operating solar panels during winter and efficiency assessment
- Breakthrough in green ammonia synthesis as a significant advancement toward decarbonization is reported.
