Evernorth Behavioral Health, a division of Cigna that serves more than 18 million covered lives across 12 states, announced that it will no longer require prior authorization for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for contracted providers. The policy change takes effect on March 6, 2026 and applies to TMS treatments for major depressive disorder and obsessive‑compulsive disorder. Non‑contracted and out‑of‑network providers, as well as network exception requests, will still need to obtain prior authorization.
The removal of the prior‑authorization hurdle is expected to reduce administrative burden for providers and accelerate access for patients who qualify for TMS. Because TMS is a non‑invasive, FDA‑approved therapy for treatment‑resistant depression and OCD, eliminating the authorization step should lower costs associated with paperwork and streamline the care pathway.
Evernorth’s decision aligns with Cigna’s broader strategy to expand behavioral health services. The company’s Q4 2025 results were strong, with adjusted income from operations of $2.1 billion and $8.08 per share—both beating analyst expectations. This financial performance provides a stable foundation for initiatives that improve patient access and operational efficiency.
The policy change is part of a growing trend among payers to broaden TMS coverage. Health Care Service Corporation and Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield have also expanded their TMS benefit designs. The announcement is likely to benefit TMS technology providers such as BrainsWay, whose Deep TMS systems could see increased adoption as access barriers are lowered.
Overall, the elimination of prior authorization for TMS represents a meaningful operational shift that enhances patient access, reduces administrative costs, and reflects Cigna’s commitment to expanding behavioral health care. The move is supported by the company’s strong financial footing and the broader industry momentum toward wider TMS coverage.
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