Medicare covers transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) but only as treatment for severe major depressive disorder (MDD). There are additional eligibility requirements you must meet and out-of-pocket costs.

TMS is a noninvasive type of brain stimulation therapy that uses magnets to stimulate areas of the brain. Medicare covers TMS for the treatment of severe MDD under specific circumstances and for a limited amount of time.

Read on for more information about TMS and when Medicare may cover it.

Medicare covers TMS as a treatment for individuals with severe MDD if it’s deemed medically necessary and only for a maximum of 6 weeks.

To qualify for Medicare coverage for TMS, you must meet all the eligibility requirements, including the following:

  • You have a confirmed diagnosis of severe MDD as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR).
  • One or more trials of a pharmacological medication have not eased your symptoms.
  • You cannot tolerate psychopharmacologic medications.
  • TMS is prescribed for you by a psychiatrist (MD or DO) who has examined you face-to-face and reviewed your mental health records.

There are conditions under which no one should have TMS, and Medicare will not cover TMS in these circumstances. You should not have TMS if you have a medically implanted magnetic-sensitive device or other implanted metal medical items, such as:

  • a cochlear implant
  • implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD)
  • pacemaker
  • vagus nerve stimulator (VNS)
  • metal aneurysm clips or coils
  • staples
  • stents

Medicare will not cover TMS if you have:

Medicare will not cover TMS as a treatment for any other condition, like moderate depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Medicare covers TMS, but it’s important to understand which parts of Medicare may help pay the costs. Here are the parts of Medicare that may cover the expense of TMS:

Medicare Part B

Since TMS is typically performed in an outpatient setting and does not require sedation or anesthesia, Medicare Part B usually covers it. Medicare Part B is the part of Original Medicare that covers doctor’s visits, outpatient treatment, and medically necessary services like mental health care.

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

Private insurance companies sell Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans but must cover at least as much as Original Medicare covers. Any Part C plan you choose will cover TMS for severe MDD. However, the exact amount covered and your out-of-pocket costs will depend on where you live and your specific plan.

Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans

Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans are designed to help you pay out-of-pocket costs for healthcare. Depending on the plan you choose, it may help cover some of the costs of TMS procedures.

The exact amount you’ll pay out of pocket for TMS will vary based on where you live, how many sessions you need, and the specific Medicare plans you have. Here’s a general idea of fees you may be required to pay:

Medicare Part B

In 2025, most people have a monthly premium of $185 for Medicare Part B. Your premium may be higher if you have a higher income. You have to meet your 2025 Part B annual deductible of $257, and you’ll have a 20% coinsurance cost for your TMS treatment.

Medicare Part C

Your out-of-pocket costs will depend on where you live and the specific Medicare Advantage plan you have.

Medicare covers TMS treatment for severe MDD only. If you meet Medicare’s eligibility requirements, Medicare covers 6 weeks of TMS therapy.

While Medicare will pay for some of the costs, you’ll have out-of-pocket fees such as premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Your individual cost will vary based on where you live and the Medicare plan you have.

Your mental health professional can help you determine whether you may benefit from TMS and whether you qualify for Medicare coverage.