November 2022 - A Major Milestone: Our NCD Application Is Now with Medicare

In November 2022, after months of hard work refining and finalizing our application, the Ketamine Taskforce submitted a request to Medicare for a National Coverage Determination (NCD) for ketamine as a treatment for major depression.

What does this mean?

If Medicare passes an NCD, insurance companies will no longer be able to classify ketamine as an experimental treatment for major depression. This would obligate insurers to cover the treatment, removing one of the largest barriers patients currently face in accessing care.

How long will the review take?

We don't yet know exactly how long the process will take, but based on typical timelines, we expect it to take at least six months. Once Medicare begins its review, the application will be opened for public comment. This is where we'll need your help — we'll be asking supporters to visit Medicare's website and submit comments explaining why this NCD should be approved.

What happens once it passes?

Once the NCD is approved, the next step is establishing CPT codes, which are required for insurers to actually reimburse providers for ketamine infusions. We've already prepared a CPT code application, which is ready to submit to the American Medical Association (AMA) as soon as the NCD is passed.

We'll keep you updated as this moves through Medicare's review process — and when the time comes for public comments, we'll be counting on your support.