I have a follow up for you guys. It was mostly a misunderstanding.
They had in their records that I was a 1-year card. My money was refunded.
Although in fairness, there is a bit of confusion all around. These doctors (or qualified as) are mandated by the state of Illinois to maintain a regular relationship with the patients and not just be a paper pusher. So, it makes sense that someone who is vouching for your condition would be compelled to not want to go 3 years without any other conversations.
Whereas, most of us are happy to deal with paper pushers. We just want our medical cards, and all others should get off our lawns.
Also in their defense, these individuals may or may not know the amount the "contractor" charge for visits. They only know what they are paid, which is not an equal share - by far. Of course, it's their fault for not knowing what their "cut" represents of the total cost. Some may have been doing it for a while and when they started the cost to us was lower than current charges.
I'm just glad the situation is settled and I got my money back.
By the way, this is what the State of Illinois says (very confusing):
In one paragraph, they say:
- Have a bona-fide Health Care Provider-patient relationship with the qualifying patient. The bona-fide Health Care Provider-patient relationship may not be limited to issuing a written certification for the patient or a consultation simply for that purpose.
They also say:
All qualifying patients who apply for a medical cannabis registry identification card must have their debilitating medical condition certified by a certifying health care provider (advance practice registered nurse-full practice authority, advanced practice nurse, physician assistant, or doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO))
once every three years or if their medical cannabis registry identification card expires.