Time Running Out for Cannabis Telemedicine Appointments in Ohio

Telemedicine should be here to stay. But many people have been surprised to learn that telemedicine in Ohio is going away soon. Patients love the convenience and safety of it, particularly during the Covid-19 health emergency.  And physicians feel that it is a safer and more efficient way for them to provide medical consultations. 

While you might think that all states have adopted telemedicine, that is not the case.  Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, twenty-two states have enacted laws and regulations to allow telemedicine.  Most of them, however, were temporary. 

Thanks to emergency permissions from the federal government, patients receiving Medicare or Medicaid were allowed to use telemedicine. The federal government also leaned hard on health insurers to be flexible and cover telemedicine visits during the pandemic.  

Beyond easing concerns about Covid-19 transmission rates, immune-compromised patients had a safer option. One that wouldn’t make them expose themselves to potential pathogens inside a clinic or doctor’s office.  

Ohio is one of the states that extended telemedicine as a temporary measure for the Covid-19 health emergency only.  And the temporary order expires on January 1, 2022. That means patients will not access telemedicine appointments with practitioners for their health needs, including applying for a medical card. 

Does Health Insurance Cover the Cost of a Medical Card Health Check?

Right now, cannabis remains a prohibited substance, according to the federal government.  Because cannabis is still classified as a Schedule 1 drug, insurance companies cannot cover the expense of the medical check. 

In order to apply for your Ohio medical marijuana card,  you need to complete a health review with a licensed practitioner.  The physician will review your health history and current symptoms.  The practitioner also checks to ensure that you have one of the qualifying health conditions that make you eligible to get an Ohio medical card. 

The cost of the doctor’s appointment to apply for your medical card is not reimbursed by insurance.  And the annual cost of registration as a patient within the Ohio medical cannabis program is also not returned.  Patients have to pay out of pocket for those fees.

How Much Does it Cost to Get an Ohio Medical Card? 

The state of Ohio aimed to keep the cost of getting a medical card affordable.  The annual cost of registration and renewal for an Ohio medical marijuana card is only $50.  And caregivers who assist minors registered in the MMJ program are required to pay a $25 annual fee. 

Would you like to learn more about the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program?  Check the list of qualifying health conditions to see if you are qualified to apply for your Ohio medical card online. 

Can I Still Get a Telemedicine Appointment for my Medical Card in Ohio?

Yes.  Scheduling a telemedicine appointment for your medical card in Ohio is fast and easy.  MarijuanaDoctors.com will connect you to a local practitioner who provides telemedicine appointments. Depending on the doctor, some practitioners can schedule you for a same-day appointment or within 1-2 weeks. 

What Happens During the Ohio Medical Card Doctor Visit?

During your Ohio medical card health evaluation, the doctor will do a health history review.  And have a conversation with you about your symptoms.  If the doctor feels that medical marijuana may help you manage your health symptoms, you will get certified by the doctor.

Your telemedicine physician will then create a patient profile for you with the Ohio medical cannabis program.  And upload the recommendation for you.  Then, as a patient, you’ll get a link by email to confirm that you want an Ohio medical card. 

How Long Does it Take to Get an Ohio Medical Card?

Once the practitioner has created your patient profile, the information is then reviewed by the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. Next, you will be notified by email if your application has been accepted. 

Ohio does not issue temporary medical cards like other states.  You will have to wait until your medical card arrives by mail.  Processing times vary, but your card should arrive at your home within thirty (30) days after receiving your email confirmation. 

Will Telemedicine Be Allowed in the Future for Ohio Medical Marijuana Patients?

Both physicians and patients are petitioning the Ohio Department of Health to make telemedicine a permanent option in the state.  However, changing the state laws can take some time.  

Some have stated that Ohio health regulators may reinstate telemedicine.  But it may not happen until the Fall of 2022.  So, if you are eligible to get your Ohio medical marijuana card with a telemedicine doctor’s appointment, now is the time. Schedule it before telemedicine was no longer available on January 1, 2022. 

Visit our Ohio information page and request your telemedicine appointment.  Telemedicine is the easiest and fastest way for qualified patients to get their Ohio medical marijuana card.  Click on the button below to get started.