MALVERN, PA — Neuronetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: STIM) this week announced that Humana, a major U.S. health insurer, has updated its coverage policy to include adolescents aged 15-21 in response to the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of NeuroStar TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) as a first-line add-on treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD).
This historic policy update by Humana marks a milestone in mental health treatment accessibility, covering approximately 600,000 commercial lives in the United States. Previously, Humana’s coverage for TMS therapy was limited to individuals 18 years and older. However, the policy revision now encompasses adolescents aged 15-17, subject to review by a medical director. This change, effective April 25, 2024, comes swiftly after the FDA’s endorsement of NeuroStar TMS for younger patients on March 25, 2024.
Keith J. Sullivan, President & CEO of Neuronetics, hailed the FDA’s green light as “the most significant treatment advancement in years” for adolescents grappling with depression—a group often lacking adequate resources for mental health care. Sullivan also lauded Humana’s rapid response to include NeuroStar TMS in its coverage, emphasizing the broader implications for affected youth and their families seeking effective treatments.
Neuronetics stands out as the only TMS provider with FDA clearance for treating adolescent MDD, bolstered by a dedicated health policy team working to encourage payors and providers to update health policies in line with the latest treatment advancements. This strategic approach aims not only to expand access to NeuroStar TMS but also to drive systemic changes in how mental health treatments are covered across the industry.
The decision by Humana to broaden TMS coverage reflects a growing acknowledgment within the healthcare insurance sector of the need for more inclusive mental health treatment options. This shift could set a precedent for other insurers to follow, potentially transforming the landscape of mental health care for adolescents in the United States. The expansion of TMS coverage to younger patients underscores the evolving understanding of mental health needs and the importance of making innovative treatments accessible to a broader demographic.
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