Stopping Humana PNS Delays and Denials

On May 12, 2025, IPSIS and the 10 other medical societies of the Multisociety Pain Workgroup (MPW) notified Humana of our collective concerns regarding their patient's access to peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS).

Despite a favorable National Coverage Determination (NCD 160.7), many pain physicians report significant delays and denials from Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans for PNS therapy — effectively limiting access to this critical non-opioid treatment option for chronic pain.

Section 10.2 of the Medicare Managed Care Manual requires Medicare Advantage plans to “provide their enrollees with all basic benefits covered under original Medicare.” Humana’s current authorization practices fall short of this mandate, directly contradicting federal Medicare statutory requirements.

Humana Medicare beneficiaries are entitled to receive the same access to this life-changing treatment as those covered by traditional Medicare.

You can also help sustain this vital advocacy with your donations. The International Pain and Spine Intervention Society (IPSIS) is a tax exempt organization under US section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law.