A growing number of states are recognizing the benefits of providing thermal fuses to patients.
Kansas become the fourth state to reimburse home oxygen installers who supply thermal fuses to patients on their state Medicaid programs.
The decision by the Kansas Health and Human Services Department means that the state joins Iowa, Washington, and North Dakota in funding the devices.
Meanwhile Missouri’s MO HealthNet Division (MHD) – the state’s Medicaid program – has issued a bulletin requiring all oxygen providers to supply firesafe cannula valves to home oxygen patients. From January, all Durable Medical Equipment companies must supply thermal fuses for patients using both stationary and portable equipment.
To help DMEs cover the cost of the change, MHD increased its oxygen rates.
Research has shown that the societal savings of providing thermal fuses to all home oxygen patients in the US are estimated to be $305.40 million over ten years, including the costs of avoided property damage.
