Children enrolled in MinnesotaCare could have certain asthma reducing medical equipment paid for under a bill approved March 24 by the House Health Care and Human Services Policy and Oversight Committee.
Asthma is the number one cause for children missing school, said Rep. Karen Clark (DFL-Mpls), sponsor of HF264. Clark said the low-cost products would save money in the long run resulting in fewer doctor and emergency room visits.
Medical equipment covered would include high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners, HEPA vacuum cleaners, allergy bed and pillow encasements, high filtration filters for forced air gas furnaces and dehumidifiers that connect to floor drains.
A medical equipment study conducted by the Health Department showed that children’s hospital visits declined by an average of one visit over a three-month period, unscheduled office visits by two visits, as well as a reduction in daytime and nighttime symptoms when certain products were used in the home, said Laura Oatman, a research scientist with the department.
On average, a child with asthma missed seven school days in a three-month period, Oatman said. That declined to less than one day 12 months later under the study, a cost savings of about $1,900 per child.
Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls) successfully amended the bill to not include all insurance programs and only incorporate those that use public assistance for those under age 21. He additionally requested that Clark add to the bill an education requirement to teach families how to properly use the medical equipment.
Rep. Laura Brod (R-New Prague) asked how the department would deal with smoking and pets in the home.
Oatman said they ask the family member if they would enroll in a smoking cessation program, and ask if they can find another home for pets.
The bill now goes to the House Finance Committee. A companion, SF178, sponsored by Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL-Mpls), awaits action by the Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee.
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