Neuronetics, Inc. has announced a significant expansion of coverage for its NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, particularly impacting adolescents aged 15 and older. This update comes as TriWest, the regional administrator for TRICARE, has revised its medical policy to include this age group, effective immediately across 26 states. This decision represents one of the most extensive expansions of adolescent mental health coverage for TMS to date.
TRICARE serves active-duty military personnel, retirees, and eligible dependents, and with this new inclusion, military families in states such as California, Texas, Illinois, and Washington will now have access to a non-drug treatment option for major depressive disorder (MDD). The importance of this access is underscored by rising rates of adolescent depression, which affects approximately 4.3 million U.S. adolescents aged 15 to 21.
Significance of the Policy Change
Keith J. Sullivan, President and CEO of Neuronetics, expressed that “TRICARE’s decision to expand coverage for TMS to adolescents is a significant step forward.” He highlighted that the update not only reinforces the need for evidence-based treatments but also broadens access for patients who have historically had limited therapeutic options.
Geoffrey Grammer, MD, the Chief Medical Officer of Neuronetics and a retired U.S. Army Colonel, emphasized the unique emotional challenges faced by children of service members. He remarked that this policy change ensures military families receive the necessary care that acknowledges their contributions to the nation.
The expansion follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s clearance of NeuroStar for adolescent use in 2024. Since then, coverage has broadened among major insurers such as Aetna, Humana, Cigna’s Evernorth, and BlueCross BlueShield HCSC, further solidifying TMS as a viable treatment option for adolescents.
A Growing Demand for Mental Health Solutions
Neuronetics positions itself uniquely in the market as the only TMS manufacturer with a dedicated health policy team, which enhances its ability to secure payer adoption. The company aims to address the growing demand for non-pharmacological treatments for depression, an area of increasing concern in both military and civilian populations.
The recent expansion of TRICARE’s coverage is viewed as a milestone for the NeuroStar platform and a crucial step toward providing military families with improved access to mental health care. As adolescent mental health continues to be a pressing issue, this policy change is expected to have a positive impact on the well-being of many young individuals in military families.
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