Initial studies around the impact of the use of medical cannabis on health care costs are promising, including one by EO Care, a Massachusetts based company. It is led by recognized healthcare, cannabis regulatory, and technology leaders/ innovators focused on helping patients navigate this new and often confusing treatment option. We note that one of its board members is Bill Van Faasen, the former head of Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA and a highly regarded healthcare industry leader.
EO Care worked with the leading healthcare cost actuary, Milliman, to estimate that physician-guided cannabis care for those dealing with pain, sleep problems, anxiety, and the effects of cancer and its treatment would reduce overall healthcare expense by 3% to 5%. In the case of older populations who deal with more of these problems than younger groups, even the 5% number may be too low an estimate. This may be the single biggest cost reducer available to the healthcare system today.
“Our members know that Mass Retirees has a long history of being at the leading edge of policies that both benefit retirees and have the potential to help contain the rising cost of healthcare without cost shifting or degrading the quality of member benefits. Knowing that more and more people are using medical marijuana, it made sense for us to gauge the thoughts and interest of our members,” explains Association CEO Shawn Duhamel. “While we believed there would be interest, we did not think the response would be as great as it was. After the survey was conducted, I heard directly from several members who wanted to share how the use of medical cannabis has benefited them or their spouse.
“We also heard from a handful of members who seemed to confuse the medical use of cannabis with recreational use. To be very clear, while recreational use of marijuana is legal in Massachusetts (currently legal in 24 states) our focus is exclusively on medical use only. However, after generations of stigma and illegality attached to cannabis, it is understandable that some members have concerns. “What is very clear from the survey results and from the direct feedback from members, is that there is a strong interest in utilizing cannabis to treat medical conditions. It is also clear that members seek reliable information and help in safely and effectively using the products. That seems to be a key component that is missing from the current retail model, where patients have little to no guidance.” To provide those members either currently using or interested in using medical cannabis with a reliable source of information and access to specific CBD/Cannabis products designed for medical use, Mass Retirees has opted to work directly with EO Care to offer a discounted service to Association members. Mass Retirees will continue to closely monitor this quickly evolving topic and will report to members in future editions of The Voice, as well is within our weekly email reports and at area meetings.
If you’d like to learn more about EO and responsible medical cannabis use or get a free, clinician-created Care Plan (based on your use goals, relevant aspects of your medical record and your daily schedule), please visit https://partner.eo.care/mass-retirees or call 888-823-6143.