TRICARE Expands TMS Coverage for Teens, Benefiting Military Families
Neuronetics, Inc. has announced a significant expansion of coverage for its NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, following an update from TriWest, the regional administrator for TRICARE. Effective immediately, the new policy extends TMS coverage to adolescents aged 15 and older across 26 states, representing one of the most comprehensive decisions to enhance adolescent mental health treatment options for the military community.
This expansion allows military families, including active-duty service members, retirees, and their eligible dependents, to access non-drug treatment options for major depressive disorder (MDD) at a crucial time. Adolescent depression rates are on the rise, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatment solutions.
Keith J. Sullivan, President and CEO of Neuronetics, remarked, “TRICARE’s decision to expand coverage for TMS to adolescents is a significant step forward.” He underscored the importance of evidence-based treatments, which will now be more accessible to patients who have traditionally encountered limited therapeutic options.
Significant Impact on Military Families
The mental health challenges faced by children of service members are unique, and Neuronetics’ Chief Medical Officer, Geoffrey Grammer, MD, who is also a retired U.S. Army Colonel, emphasized the need for appropriate care and support for these families. He stated that this decision ensures military families “receive the care and support that honors their families’ service to our nation.”
According to recent statistics, approximately 4.3 million U.S. adolescents aged 15 to 21 are affected by major depression. Treatment options for this demographic have historically been limited, making TMS a crucial option as either a first-line or adjunct therapy.
In 2024, NeuroStar received FDA clearance specifically for adolescent patients, and since then, coverage has expanded across several major insurers, including Aetna, Humana, Cigna’s Evernorth, and BlueCross BlueShield HCSC.
A Milestone for Non-Pharmacological Treatments
Neuronetics is currently the only manufacturer of TMS devices with a dedicated health policy team, which positions the company to enhance payer adoption as the demand for non-pharmacological treatments for depression increases. The expansion of TRICARE coverage is seen as both a significant milestone for the NeuroStar platform and a meaningful advancement for military families seeking greater access to mental health services.
In an environment where mental health resources are critical, this decision is expected to make a substantial difference in the lives of many young individuals and their families across states such as California, Texas, Illinois, and Washington.
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