Radon Mitigation: HSA Eligibility

What is radon?

According to the U.S. Environmetal Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall. Radon is a naturally-occurring, chemically inert, colorless gas that is the heaviest known gas on earth, which is 9 times denser than air. Radon is emitted from rocks and soil, and it can be found almost everywhere, but when it becomes trapped indoors, it can build up over time to create dangerous concentrations of the material. In some cases, radon may enter buildings through drinking water, but this is only a major concern for those who have a private well that feeds directly into their home (American Cancer Society).

What is radon mitigation?

Radon is found in every state in the U.S., and radon testing and radon mitigation systems have become a specialized industry, as these tests and preventative measures are not generally mandatory unless mandated by local or state governments. The first step in any process of radon mitigation is having a qualified specialist perform radon testing on the residence or business in question. In most cases, if the first test returns a result between 4 and 8 pCi/L (picocuries per liter), another follow-up test will be required to determine whether this is an anomaly or if radon levels need to be reduced.

The first step in radon mitigation is to ensure that the home is free of cracks and openings that can significantly affect the structure's radon levels. However, in some cases this is not enough to reduce radon levels, so specialists can go one step further by installing a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it outside, which is also called "sub-slab depressurization." This is typically the most advanced form of radon mitigation that can dramatically lower radon levels in a home or structure (New York State Department of Health).

How do I obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for radon mitigation?

A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for radon mitigation is necessary for reimbursement with most benefits providers to ensure that it is necessary for the treatment of a medical condition. This letter must outline how an account holder's medical condition necessitates radon mitigation, how the treatment will be used to alleviate the issue and how long the treatment will last. If the treatment plan exceeds the current plan year, another LMN will have to be provided to the benefits administrator to cover the duration of the treatment.