Cigna’s Evernorth Unit Extends NeuroStar TMS Access to Adolescents
In a significant development for adolescent mental healthcare, Cigna’s Evernorth division has announced expanded coverage for Neuronetics’ innovative NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. This crucial coverage extension will now include patients as young as 15 years old who are battling major depressive disorder, opening doors to alternative treatment options beyond traditional medication.
How NeuroStar TMS Works
NeuroStar TMS therapy represents a breakthrough approach to treating depression, particularly for those who haven’t responded well to conventional treatments. The therapy utilizes precisely targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate different regions of the brain associated with mood regulation. Unlike medication-based approaches, TMS offers a non-invasive option that typically produces fewer side effects while delivering meaningful results.
The treatment involves a series of outpatient sessions, where patients remain awake and alert throughout the procedure. Each session typically lasts about 20-30 minutes, with patients usually undergoing treatment five days a week for four to six weeks. This structured approach allows for consistent neurological stimulation without the systemic effects of medications.
Impressive Clinical Outcomes
The effectiveness of NeuroStar TMS therapy is backed by compelling statistical evidence. According to Neuronetics’ website, the treatment has already helped more than 195,000 individuals struggling with depression. Of these patients, an impressive 83% experienced significant improvement in their depressive symptoms, while 62% achieved full remission from their condition.
These statistics are particularly noteworthy considering that many TMS patients have already tried multiple antidepressant medications without adequate relief. The therapy offers hope for treatment-resistant cases that previously had limited options.
FDA Approval and Target Population
This coverage expansion comes approximately one year after NeuroStar TMS received FDA clearance specifically for adolescents aged 15 to 21. This approval was a pivotal moment in expanding treatment options for younger patients. According to Neuronetics, there are an estimated 4.3 million Americans between ages 15 and 21 currently suffering from major depressive disorder.
The adolescent population represents a critical demographic for mental health interventions, as early and effective treatment can significantly impact long-term outcomes and prevent chronic mental health conditions in adulthood.
Addressing Limitations of Traditional Treatments
One of the most compelling aspects of this coverage expansion is how it addresses significant gaps in current treatment approaches for adolescents. Medication options for younger patients are considerably more limited than those available to adults. Furthermore, pharmaceutical interventions for teens often come with concerning side effects, including increased risk of suicidal ideation and heightened anxiety—precisely the symptoms these treatments aim to alleviate.
The black box warnings on many antidepressants for adolescents have created a treatment dilemma for many families and clinicians. NeuroStar TMS provides an evidence-based alternative that doesn’t carry these same warnings.
Alternative Beyond Medication
The expanded coverage for NeuroStar TMS provides families with options beyond medication-only approaches. This alternative therapy gives patients and their healthcare providers more flexibility in crafting personalized treatment plans that align with individual needs and preferences.
For many adolescents, the non-drug approach may also reduce stigma and increase treatment compliance, as it eliminates concerns about medication side effects or the need to take daily pills.
Executive Response
Keith Sullivan, President and CEO of Neuronetics, emphasized the significance of this development: “This decision by Cigna/Evernorth is a significant step forward for adolescent mental healthcare and reflects the momentum we have built with payors over the past year since NeuroStar first received the FDA clearance for adolescents. We are grateful that millions more families will now have easier access to NeuroStar TMS as a proven, non-drug treatment for major depression and can get the care they deserve.”
Evernorth’s Mental Health Focus
This coverage expansion aligns with Evernorth’s substantial investments in its behavioral health offerings. Mental health services represent a core focus within Evernorth’s broader healthcare portfolio, reflecting growing recognition of mental health as an essential component of overall wellness.
Expanding Access to Care
With this policy change, millions of additional families covered under Cigna/Evernorth plans will now have improved access to this innovative treatment option. The expansion represents a meaningful step toward addressing the growing adolescent mental health crisis in America by providing evidence-based alternatives to traditional approaches.
