The updated policy, effective July 2026, marks a shift toward recognizing the clinical necessity of home-based care for a condition affecting an estimated 2 to 3 million people in the U.S. By removing the requirement to visit a clinic, the insurer aims to improve long-term treatment adherence. According to Phothera Chief Commercial Officer Padma Sundar, convenience acts as a primary driver for consistency, noting that clinical trials have shown patients using home devices demonstrate three times higher adherence rates than those relying solely on in-office sessions.

This move aligns Aetna with other major payers, including Cigna and various Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, which have increasingly recognized home phototherapy for chronic skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. To simplify the process, Phothera has integrated its prescribing platform directly into electronic medical record systems such as Epic and EMA. This allows dermatologists to authorize treatment without navigating separate portals or redundant paperwork, effectively streamlining the transition from clinical consultation to home-based care.