A new bill passed during the 2021 Minnesota legislative session expands medical assistance to cover “enhanced asthma care services.” Services include home visits and allergen-reducing products. Children who have poorly controlled asthma, as defined in the statute, and who are enrolled in medical assistance or Minnesota Health Care Programs are eligible for these benefits.

Home visits will only be covered if provided by “a registered environmental health specialist or lead risk assessor currently credentialed by the Department of Health or a healthy homes specialist credentialed by the Building Performance Institute.” Products will be covered if “identified as needed and recommended” by the professionals authorized to perform the home visits or by health care professionals providing asthma care for the child. 

The new provisions, in MN Stat. section 256B.0625, subd. 67, are now in effect.