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Clients & Clinicians

Is Neurofeedback Covered By Insurance? Things to Know in 2024

Brandon Grill
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August 27, 2024
Is neurofeedback covered by insurance? The answer varies by state, CPT code, regulations, and a host of other factors. Get the basic facts now by clicking here.

Neurofeedback is fast becoming a well-known mental health treatment in the U.S. There were already more than 7,500 mental health professionals offering this service back in 2016, according to one estimate.

But with the increasing popularity and availability, many interested in neurofeedback are asking: is it covered by insurance?

To answer this question, we've consulted with Sean Brock, an LPC and BCN in Denver, Colorado, who owns and operates Neuro Colorado, a psychotherapy practice that integrates Neurofeedback. His insights provide a realistic view of the current insurance landscape for neurofeedback.

Current Landscape of Insurance Coverage for Neurofeedback

The insurance landscape for neurofeedback is, to put it mildly, a mixed bag. 

"The hard truth is that there are no major private insurance companies in Colorado (or the rest of the country, as far as I know) that regularly reimburse for neurofeedback," Sean said.

While some insurance companies have begun to recognize the potential benefits of neurofeedback for certain conditions, many still consider it an experimental or investigational treatment.

Several factors influence whether an insurance company will cover neurofeedback:

  1. The specific condition being treated: Some insurers may cover neurofeedback for conditions like ADHD or epilepsy, where there's a stronger body of evidence supporting its efficacy.
  2. The insurance company's policies: Each insurer has its own set of guidelines for what treatments they consider medically necessary.
  3. State regulations: Some states have mandates requiring coverage for certain treatments, which can include neurofeedback in some cases.
  4. The provider's credentials: Coverage may depend on whether the neurofeedback is administered by a licensed healthcare professional.

It's worth noting that even when insurers do cover neurofeedback, they often have strict criteria for approval, such as requiring that other conventional treatments have been tried first.

It's important to note that coverage can vary significantly by state. Always check your state regulations to ensure compliance.

Types of Insurance That May Cover Neurofeedback

Now let’s look at a few common ways people may try to access Neurofeedback therapy.

Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, generally does not cover neurofeedback. However, there are exceptions.

For example, Medicare may cover neurofeedback when it's used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for stroke rehabilitation.

Medicaid coverage, on the other hand, varies by state. According to Brock, "Medicaid is the one major insurance that reimburses for Neurofeedback, although it's not clear which specific code they support."

Some state Medicaid programs have begun to cover neurofeedback for certain conditions, particularly for children with ADHD or autism spectrum disorders.

It's essential to check with your state's Medicaid office for specific coverage details.

Workers' Compensation

In some cases, workers' compensation insurance may cover neurofeedback.

This is typically seen in cases where an employee has suffered a traumatic brain injury or is dealing with chronic pain as a result of a workplace injury.

The coverage often depends on the recommendation of the treating physician and the specific workers' compensation policies in your state.

For instance, a worker who developed chronic migraines after a head injury on the job might be approved for neurofeedback sessions if other treatments haven't provided sufficient relief.

Brock notes, "We have received payment for PTSD diagnoses for some police officers as well as payment for those suffering from mild Traumatic Brain Injuries."

Conditions for Which Neurofeedback May Be Covered

When it comes to insurance coverage, the specific condition being treated plays a crucial role. Here's a breakdown of some conditions where you might have a better chance of getting coverage:

FDA-Cleared Uses

The FDA has cleared certain neurofeedback devices for relaxation training and stress reduction. While this doesn't guarantee insurance coverage, it does lend credibility to the treatment in these areas.

Off-Label Applications

Many uses of neurofeedback are considered "off-label," meaning the FDA does not specifically approve them for that purpose.

However, insurance may still cover these uses if there's sufficient evidence of efficacy. Some conditions that fall into this category include:

It's important to note that even for these conditions, coverage is not guaranteed.

Your healthcare provider may need to demonstrate that other treatments have been ineffective before insurance will consider covering neurofeedback.

Navigating the Insurance Process

If you're considering neurofeedback and want to explore insurance coverage, here are some steps to follow:

  1. Contact Your Insurance Provider: Call the number on your insurance card and ask about coverage for neurofeedback. Be prepared with specific questions about your condition and the type of neurofeedback you're considering. Also, ask for the rep's name and badge number, and write these down.
  2. Understand Your Policy: Request a copy of your policy documents and look for terms like "biofeedback," "neurofeedback," or "brain training." Pay attention to any exclusions or limitations.
  3. Get Pre-Authorization: If your provider suggests that coverage might be possible, ask about the pre-authorization process. This typically involves your healthcare provider submitting a detailed treatment plan and justification for why neurofeedback is necessary for your condition.
  4. Work with Your Healthcare Provider: Your doctor or therapist can be a valuable ally in this process. They can provide the necessary medical documentation and advocate with the insurance company on your behalf.
  5. Be Prepared to Appeal: If your initial request is denied, don't give up. Many insurance companies have an appeals process, and with the right documentation, you may be able to overturn the initial decision.

Remember, insurance companies often use specific codes for billing purposes. For neurofeedback, there are three appropriate CPT codes:

Knowing these codes can help you discuss coverage more precisely with your insurance provider.

Alternatives When Insurance Doesn't Cover Neurofeedback

If you find that your insurance won't cover neurofeedback, you're not out of options:

Out-of-Pocket Options

Many neurofeedback providers offer package deals or sliding scale fees for patients paying out of pocket.

While it can be a significant investment, some people find the potential benefits worth the cost.

A typical course of neurofeedback treatment might involve 20-40 sessions, with costs ranging from $50 to $200 per session.

That means the most you’ll pay is in the $8,000 range. Well worth it for improved mental health, though not the most accessible treatment.

Financial Assistance Programs

Some neurofeedback clinics offer financial assistance or payment plans.

It's worth asking about these options if cost is a barrier.

Additionally, you might explore whether you can use funds from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for neurofeedback treatments.

As Brock points out, "Although this is not a huge advantage, it is an income tax-free way to pay for treatment."

Alternative Treatments

If neurofeedback is financially out of reach, consider exploring other evidence-based treatments for your condition.

For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely covered by insurance and has proven effective for many conditions that neurofeedback also addresses.

The Evolving Landscape of Neurofeedback Coverage

The field of neurofeedback is continuously evolving, and with it, the insurance landscape:

Ongoing Research and Clinical Trials

Numerous studies are underway to further validate the effectiveness of neurofeedback for various conditions.

As more evidence accumulates, insurance companies may become more willing to cover these treatments.

Keep an eye on reputable medical journals and organizations like the International Society for Neuroregulation and Research (ISNR) for the latest findings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To address some common queries about neurofeedback and insurance coverage, we've compiled the following FAQs:

How to get biofeedback covered by insurance?

  1. Check your policy: Review your insurance policy for any mention of biofeedback or neurofeedback coverage.
  2. Get a referral: Obtain a referral from your primary care physician or a specialist recommending biofeedback for your condition.
  3. Choose an in-network provider: If possible, select a biofeedback practitioner who is in-network with your insurance company.
  4. Obtain pre-authorization: Work with your healthcare provider to submit a pre-authorization request to your insurance company.
  5. Provide medical necessity: Ensure your doctor documents why biofeedback is medically necessary for your condition.
  6. Use correct billing codes: Confirm that your provider uses the correct CPT code (typically 90901 for biofeedback) when billing insurance.
  7. Be prepared to appeal: If initially denied, be ready to go through the appeals process with additional documentation from your healthcare provider.

What is neurofeedback FDA-approved for?

As of 2024, the FDA has not explicitly "approved" neurofeedback for treating specific conditions.

However, it has cleared certain neurofeedback devices for particular uses:

  1. Relaxation and stress reduction: Some neurofeedback devices are cleared as wellness devices for relaxation training.
  2. ADHD assessment: The FDA has cleared the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) System, which uses EEG technology to help assess ADHD in children and adolescents.

It's important to note that FDA clearance is different from FDA approval.

Clearance means the FDA has determined that the device is substantially equivalent to another legally marketed device.

Many neurofeedback applications are considered "off-label" use, meaning they're used for purposes not specifically cleared by the FDA.

How to get biofeedback covered by insurance?

This question is similar to the first FAQ, but here are some additional tips:

  1. Understand your diagnosis: Insurance is more likely to cover biofeedback for certain diagnoses. Common conditions that may be covered include chronic pain, migraines, and certain mental health disorders.
  2. Document previous treatments: Show that you've tried other, more conventional treatments without success.
  3. Check state laws: Some states have laws mandating coverage for certain treatments, which may include biofeedback for specific conditions.
  4. Consider your insurance type: Coverage may vary between private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and workers' compensation.
  5. Get detailed session notes: Ensure your biofeedback practitioner provides detailed session notes and progress reports to submit to your insurance company.
  6. Be persistent: Sometimes, getting coverage requires multiple conversations with your insurance company and possibly appeals.

Remember, insurance policies and coverage can change, so it's always best to check directly with your insurance provider for the most up-to-date information on biofeedback coverage.

Final Notes on Insurance Coverage

While navigating insurance coverage for neurofeedback can be challenging, it's not impossible.

As research continues to demonstrate the efficacy of neurofeedback for various conditions, insurance policies are likely to evolve.

In the meantime, being well-informed and prepared to advocate for your health needs is crucial.

Remember:

For those interested in advocating for neurofeedback coverage, the ISNR provides a toolkit with pre-written letters and research studies to support individuals attempting to petition their insurance company to cover neurofeedback for ADHD treatment.

This resource may also be helpful for petitioning coverage for other symptoms.

Ultimately, your mental health is worth the time, money, and energy it takes to improve it. Whether or not Neurofeedback is part of your path, keep fighting and advocating for yourself.

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This blog post is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, business, medical, or insurance advice. Laws relating to health insurance and coverage are complex, and their application can vary widely depending on individual circumstances and state laws. Similarly, decisions regarding mental health care should be made with the guidance of qualified health care providers. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified attorney or legal advisor, insurance representative, and/or medical professional to discuss your specific situation and how the laws apply to you or your situation.

About the Author
Brandon Grill

Brandon Grill is a mental health copywriter and marketer based in Las Vegas, NV. He loves helping mental health professionals build fulfilling businesses. You can find Brandon going on a walk with his adorable nephews.