How to Change Your Medicaid Plan in Louisiana
Louisiana Medicaid members have more flexibility to switch health plans in 2026 than ever before. While all Healthy Louisiana plans cover the same core Medicaid services, plans can differ in provider networks, extra benefits, prescription coverage, and added perks, which means choosing the right plan can make a real difference for your family.
If you're unhappy with your current plan, recently lost access to UnitedHealthcare, or simply want better coverage options, this guide explains exactly how to change your Medicaid plan in Louisiana, when changes take effect, and what to consider before switching.
Nest Health serves eligible Louisiana Medicaid members across participating Healthy Louisiana plans like AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana and Aetna Better Health of Louisiana with in-home and virtual care that comes directly to families.
Can you change your Louisiana Medicaid plan?
Yes, Louisiana Medicaid members can change their Healthy Louisiana health plan or dental plan. The rules for when and how often you can switch depend on your enrollment timeline and current Louisiana Medicaid policies.
New 2026 rule: switch anytime, for any reason
As of March 1, 2026, Louisiana Medicaid members can switch their health or dental plan at any time during the year, no qualifying event required.
Under the updated rules:
✅ Members can switch plans for any reason
✅ Plan changes are allowed through December 31, 2026
✅ Members can make up to two plan changes within a 12-month period
This is a major change from prior years, when members typically had to wait for Open Enrollment or qualify for a special exception to switch plans.
For many Louisiana families, the updated rules make it easier to find a plan with the right doctors, specialists, benefits, or care experience.
Important 2026 update: UnitedHealthcare is no longer available
⚠️ As of April 1, 2026, UnitedHealthcare is no longer a Healthy Louisiana Medicaid plan option.
Members previously enrolled in UnitedHealthcare Medicaid plans in Louisiana must select a new Healthy Louisiana plan.
The current Healthy Louisiana health plan options are:
Aetna Better Health of Louisiana
AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana
Healthy Blue
Humana Healthy Horizons in Louisiana
Louisiana Healthcare Connections
Because of this change, many members are currently searching for how to change their Medicaid plan in Louisiana and compare their new options.
First 90 days of enrollment
If you're newly enrolled in Louisiana Medicaid, you can switch plans for any reason during your first 90 days of enrollment.
After that 90-day window, the updated 2026 switching rules apply.
When does a plan change take effect?
Louisiana Medicaid plan changes do not usually take effect immediately. In most cases, your new plan starts on the first day of the following month.
⏰ Timing matters.
For example, if you want your new Medicaid plan to begin on May 1, you typically need to submit your change request before the state's monthly cutoff deadline.
Louisiana Medicaid uses daily processing deadlines, and cutoff times can vary by month. In many cases, the deadline is around 6 p.m. two days before the end of the month.
🔗 Before switching, check the exact deadline for your desired start date at: myplan.healthy.la.gov
Until your new plan officially begins, continue using your current plan for appointments, prescriptions, and healthcare services.
How to change your Louisiana Medicaid plan
Louisiana offers several ways to switch your Medicaid health or dental plan. All current Healthy Louisiana members can use these options.
Option 1: Change online
The fastest way to change your Medicaid plan in Louisiana is online.
🔗 Visit: myplan.healthy.la.gov
Then:
Log in to your account
Create an account if you don't already have one
Select "Change Plan"
Compare available plans
Confirm your new selection
The online portal is available in English and Spanish and allows members to review plan details side-by-side before switching.
Option 2: Change by phone
📞 Call: 1-855-229-6848
TTY: 1-855-526-3346
A Healthy Louisiana representative can:
Help you change your health or dental plan
Explain plan options
Answer enrollment questions
Provide language assistance
This option is especially helpful if you're unsure which plan best fits your healthcare needs.
Option 3: Change using the Healthy Louisiana mobile app
You can also switch plans through the Healthy Louisiana mobile app.
To use the app:
Download the Healthy Louisiana app
Log in to your account
Navigate to plan management
Select your new plan
Confirm the change
What you'll need before switching
Before changing plans, gather the following information:
Your Medicaid ID number
Your current plan name
The name of the plan you want to switch to
Names of your doctors or specialists
Prescription medication information
Checking your providers and medications ahead of time can help avoid care disruptions after the switch.
What to consider before switching plans
All Healthy Louisiana Medicaid plans cover the same required core benefits. However, plans can differ significantly in provider access, prescription formularies, and extra member benefits.
Before switching, compare the details that matter most for your family.
Check your provider network
For many families, the most important factor is whether their doctors accept the new plan.
Before changing plans:
Check the plan's provider directory
Call your doctor's office directly to confirm participation
Verify specialist access
Confirm nearby pharmacies are in-network
This is especially important if your child sees specialists or if someone in your family manages a chronic condition.
🔗 Read more: https://www.nesthealth.com/blog/how-to-find-medicaid-provider-louisiana
Compare extra benefits
Core Medicaid services stay the same across plans, but extra benefits can vary.
Some benefits to compare include:
Adult dental coverage
Vision benefits
Hearing coverage
Transportation assistance
Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances
Wellness rewards programs
For example, AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana offers enhanced adult dental benefits in 2026.
Use the Healthy Louisiana comparison tool to review benefits side-by-side before switching.
Prescription drug coverage
All Louisiana Medicaid plans cover prescription medications, but each plan has its own formulary, meaning certain medications may be covered differently.
Before switching:
Check whether your prescriptions are covered
Confirm prior authorization requirements
Ask about pharmacy restrictions
Review copay details
Even when small copays apply, Medicaid plans cover most prescription costs.
Continuity of care during the switch
If you're currently receiving treatment, switching plans mid-care can feel stressful.
Louisiana Medicaid plans are required to provide continuity of care protections for up to 90 days after a member switches plans. This helps members continue seeing their current providers during the transition period.
Still, it's smart to:
Contact your current plan
Contact your new plan
Confirm ongoing treatment coverage
Verify specialist authorizations transfer correctly
This is especially important for pregnancy care, pediatric specialists, behavioral health services, or chronic medical conditions.
What happens after you switch?
Once you confirm your Medicaid plan change, several things happen next.
Confirmation and new ID card
You'll receive confirmation that your new plan has been approved.
Your new Medicaid health plan will also mail you a new member ID card. Keep an eye on your mail and allow enough time for the card to arrive before your effective date.
Keep using your current plan until the switch starts
Until your new plan officially becomes active:
Continue using your current Medicaid plan card
Keep existing appointments
Fill prescriptions as normal
Do not cancel ongoing care
Your current plan remains responsible for your healthcare until the effective switch date.
What if you want to switch back?
Under the updated 2026 Louisiana Medicaid rules, members can switch plans up to two times within a 12-month period.
If you switch and later decide another plan would work better, you may still be able to change again — as long as you haven't already used both allowed plan changes.
Can you cancel your Medicaid plan in Louisiana?
Yes, you can voluntarily disenroll from Louisiana Medicaid, but it's important to understand what that means.
Canceling Medicaid does not simply remove your current health plan. It ends your Medicaid health coverage entirely.
For most families, switching to a different Healthy Louisiana plan is usually a better option than canceling coverage altogether.
If your income or household situation changes, Louisiana Medicaid will review your eligibility during your renewal process.
If you no longer qualify for Medicaid, you may be eligible for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
🔗 Visit: https://www.healthcare.gov
Maintaining continuous health coverage is important for preventive care, prescriptions, pediatric visits, and emergency healthcare needs.
Louisiana Medicaid plan change FAQs
How do I switch Medicaid plans in Louisiana?
You can switch your Louisiana Medicaid plan online at myplan.healthy.la.gov, by phone, or through the Healthy Louisiana mobile app.
Can I change my Medicaid plan online in Louisiana?
Yes. The fastest way to change your Medicaid plan is through the Healthy Louisiana online member portal.
How many times can I change my Medicaid plan in Louisiana?
Under the 2026 rules, members can switch plans up to two times within a 12-month period.
When does my new Medicaid plan take effect?
Most Medicaid plan changes begin on the first day of the following month after your request is processed.
What is the best Louisiana Medicaid plan?
There is no single "best" Medicaid plan for everyone. The right plan depends on your doctors, medications, preferred hospitals, and extra benefits.
What happens if I cancel my Medicaid plan?
If you cancel Medicaid, you lose your healthcare coverage entirely. Most members should consider switching plans instead of canceling coverage.
Does Louisiana Medicaid pay for prescriptions?
Yes. All Healthy Louisiana plans cover prescription medications, although formularies and copay rules may vary by plan.
What should I check before switching Medicaid plans?
Before switching, confirm:
Your doctors accept the new plan
Your medications are covered
Your preferred pharmacies are in-network
The plan includes the extra benefits you want
Can I switch Medicaid plans if UnitedHealthcare is leaving Louisiana?
Yes. Members affected by UnitedHealthcare's exit from Louisiana Medicaid can choose a new Healthy Louisiana plan.
Does Nest Health work with my Louisiana Medicaid plan?
Nest Health serves eligible families across participating Louisiana Medicaid plans. Coverage eligibility may vary, so contact Nest directly to learn more.
In-home care with Nest Health is available across Louisiana Medicaid plans
Nest Health provides in-home and virtual healthcare services for eligible Louisiana families enrolled in participating plans, AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana and Aetna Better Health of Louisiana.
Switching Medicaid plans generally does not affect your ability to receive Nest Health services as long as your new plan participates.
Nest Health offers:
✅ In-home care for the whole family
✅ Virtual care visits
✅ Same-day and next-day appointments
✅ 24/7 access to care support
✅ Bilingual Spanish-speaking providers
✅ Services in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and surrounding areas
Our care teams come directly to you, helping families avoid unnecessary ER visits and making healthcare easier to access.
📞 If you've been contacted by Nest or your health plan — or think your family may qualify — call us today at 866-222-NEST (6378).
