MN SF1737

Establishes enhanced asthma care services as a covered medical assistance benefit for children under 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 asthma assessments by National Environmental Health Association-credentialed healthy homes specialists, targeted asthma education by National Asthma Educator Certification Board-certified educators, and allergen-reducing products including mattress encasements, HEPA vacuums, dehumidifiers, air cleaners, pest control systems, and furnace filters for homeowners.

Limits children to one home assessment and one educator visit, except additional assessments are allowed if the child moves, a new asthma trigger enters the home, or a new allergy is identified; product replacement frequency determined by commissioner based on reasonable expected product lifetime.

Adds allergen-reducing products as covered durable medical equipment under medical assistance competitive bidding provisions effective January 1, 2017, or upon federal approval, whichever is later.

Expands durable medical equipment definitions to include electronic tablets used as augmentative and alternative communication systems and allergen-reducing products provided under the enhanced asthma care services benefit.