MN HF1453

Establishes a new enhanced asthma care services benefit under medical assistance for children under age 21 with poorly controlled asthma who have had at least one emergency department visit or hospitalization for asthma in the past year, upon referral from a treating health care provider.

Covers home assessments for asthma triggers conducted by healthy homes specialists credentialed by the National Environmental Health Association.

Covers targeted asthma education services in the child's home provided by certified asthma educators, including instruction on self-management, trigger avoidance, symptom identification, and medication use.

Covers allergen-reducing products including mattress encasements, HEPA vacuums, dehumidifiers, air cleaners, nontoxic pest control, damp mopping systems, hospital-grade mattresses (if needed), and furnace filters for homeowners.

Limits children to one home assessment and one educator visit, with additional assessments allowed if the child moves, a new asthma trigger enters the home, or a new allergy is identified; effective January 1, 2016, or upon federal approval.