Since the end of 2021, Cannamedical Pharma has concluded several discount contracts with statutory health insurers for its full-spectrum cannabis extract. The contracts can increase the acceptance of a cannabinoid therapy and ensure economical patient:ing care.
As one of the first pharmaceutical companies in Germany, it has concluded open-house discount contracts with several statutory health insurance funds for its cannabis full-spectrum extract. A cooperation with IKK classic has already been in place since March 1, 2022. Further discount agreements with Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), Kaufmännische Krankenkasse (KKH) and Hanseatische Krankenkasse (HEK) came into force at the beginning of April. Further discount agreements have already been agreed since the end of last year with the health insurance service providers GWQ ServicePlus and spectrumK.
The aim of the discount agreements concluded is to generate greater trust and acceptance of medical cannabis among physicians and health insurers. The discount agreements ensure an economical supply of medicinal products while maintaining a high level of medical quality. This can lead to a generally increased advocacy of cannabinoid-based therapy among all stakeholders. Thus, rebate contracts can also contribute to the simplification of reimbursement applications.
“It is important to us to further advance the acceptance of medical cannabis. Our discount contracts for cannabis extracts can reduce reservations. This does not interfere with the therapeutic sovereignty of physicians. We therefore see rebate contracts as a good instrument for making cannabinoid-based therapy available to more people. Because of this, we are also in talks with other health insurance companies.”
- Dr. Yvonne von Coburg, Chief Medical Officer
Another aspect of rebate contracts is the cost savings for health insurers: Therapy expenditures per insured person can be reduced and an increase in health insurance premiums can thus be efficiently counteracted.
Discount agreements between pharmaceutical companies and health insurers are not uncommon. Under these agreements, companies grant health insurers a discount on certain preparations. Patients ultimately benefit from these discounted drug prices, as the financial resources gained can be used for other medical care within the healthcare system.
