How to Change Your Medicaid Plan in Louisiana
Louisiana Medicaid members now have more freedom to switch health plans than before. All Healthy Louisiana plans cover the same basic care. But plans can be different in other ways — like which doctors are in network, extra perks, or prescription coverage. That's why picking the right plan matters.
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.
Please note: Medicaid rules can change, and this page may not always show the very latest update. To confirm anything below, or get the newest information, contact Healthy Louisiana directly: 📞 1-855-229-6848 (TTY: 1-855-526-3346) 🌐 myplan.healthy.la.gov
Nest Health services are covered by Louisiana Medicaid at no additional cost to eligible families. In Louisiana, we currently partner with AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana and Aetna Better Health of Louisiana to bring comprehensive medical, behavioral, and social care directly to homes across New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
📞 Think your family may qualify, or has Nest already reached out? Call 866-222-NEST (6378).
Can you change your Louisiana Medicaid plan?
Yes. As of March 1, 2026, you can switch your health or dental plan anytime, for any reason.
✅ Switch for any reason
✅ Change through December 31, 2026
✅ Make up to 2 plan changes in a 12-month period
This is a big change from before, when you usually had to wait for open enrollment.
New members: During your first 90 days on Medicaid, you can switch for any reason too.
Big changes to know about in 2026
As of April 1, 2026, UnitedHealthcare is no longer a Healthy Louisiana Medicaid plan option. If you had it, you were moved to a new plan.
After December 31, 2026, Healthy Blue is leaving too. If you're on Healthy Blue:
You'll get a letter by October 1, 2026
You can pick a new plan between October 15 and November 16, 2026
If you don't pick one, you'll be assigned one automatically (they'll try to keep your family together and keep your current doctors)
Your new plan starts January 1, 2027
Current plan options (through the end of 2026):
Aetna Better Health of Louisiana
AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana
Healthy Blue (leaving Dec. 31, 2026)
Humana Healthy Horizons in Louisiana
Louisiana Healthcare Connections
Starting January 1, 2027, the plans will be:
Aetna Better Health of Louisiana
AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana
Humana Healthy Horizons in Louisiana
Louisiana Healthcare Connections
When does a plan change start?
Not right away. Usually, your new plan starts on the 1st of the next month. Watch the deadline — it's often around 6 p.m., two days before the end of the month.
🔗 Check the exact deadline at myplan.healthy.la.gov
Until your new plan starts, keep using your old plan for visits and prescriptions.
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.
Change online 🌐 Go to myplan.healthy.la.gov
Log in (or make an account)
Select "Change Plan"
Compare plans
Confirm your choice
Available in English and Spanish.
Change by phone 📞 1-855-229-6848 TTY: 1-855-526-3346
A Healthy Louisiana representative can change your plan, explain your options, and help in your language.
Change with the app Download the free Healthy Louisiana app, log in, go to plan management, pick your new plan, and confirm.
What you'll need
Your Medicaid ID number
Your current plan's name
The plan you want instead
Your doctors' or specialists' names
Your medications
Checking this ahead helps you avoid gaps in care.
What to check before you switch
All plans cover the same basic services. But they can differ in doctors, extra benefits, and drug coverage.
Check your doctors. Look up the new plan's provider list, call your doctor's office to confirm, and check that your pharmacy is in-network. This matters most if you or your child sees a specialist or has an ongoing health need.
🔗 More on finding providers: https://www.nesthealth.com/blog/how-to-find-medicaid-provider-louisiana
Compare extra benefits. Things like adult dental, vision, hearing, transportation help, OTC allowances, or wellness rewards can vary by plan. Use the plan comparison tool at myplan.healthy.la.gov to see what each one offers.
Check your medications. All plans cover prescriptions, but which drugs need approval first, or which pharmacies you can use, can differ. Confirm your medications are covered before switching.
Keeping your care during the switch
Switching mid-treatment can feel stressful. Louisiana Medicaid protects your care for up to 90 days after you switch, so you can keep seeing your current providers during the change.
Still, it helps to:
Contact your current plan
Contact your new plan
Confirm your treatment is still covered
Make sure any specialist approvals carry over
This matters most for pregnancy care, kids seeing specialists, mental health care, or ongoing conditions.
What happens after you switch?
You'll get confirmation, and your new plan will mail you an ID card. Give it time to arrive.
Until your new plan starts:
Keep using your current plan's card
Keep your appointments
Keep filling prescriptions
Don't stop any ongoing care
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, but canceling ends all your Medicaid coverage — not just your current plan. For most families, switching plans is a better choice than canceling.
If your income or household changes, Louisiana Medicaid checks if you still qualify when you renew. If you no longer qualify, you may be able to get coverage through healthcare.gov instead.
FAQs
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Online at myplan.healthy.la.gov, by phone at 1-855-229-6848, or through the Healthy Louisiana app.
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Up to 2 times in a 12-month period.
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Usually the 1st of the next month, if you switch before the deadline.
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It's no longer available as of April 1, 2026. You should have already been moved to a new plan.
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That plan is leaving Louisiana Medicaid on December 31, 2026. Pick a new plan between October 15 and November 16, 2026, or one will be picked for you. Your new plan starts January 1, 2027.
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You lose Medicaid coverage completely. Most people should switch plans instead of canceling.
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Yes, all plans cover prescriptions, though rules can vary by plan.
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Your doctors, your medications, your pharmacy, and any extra benefits you want.
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Nest Health serves eligible families on participating Healthy Louisiana plans, including AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana and Aetna Better Health of Louisiana. Coverage may vary, so contact us to check.
In-home care with Nest Health
Nest Health brings in-home and virtual care to families across Louisiana Medicaid plans. Switching plans usually won't affect your Nest Health care, as long as your new plan participates.
Care for the whole family, at home
Virtual visits
Same-day and next-day appointments
24/7 support
Bilingual, Spanish-speaking providers
Serving New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and nearby areas
We come to you — so you can skip the ER and get care faster.
📞 Think your family may qualify, or has Nest already reached out? Call 866-222-NEST (6378).
Rules and plan details above can change. For the latest Louisiana Medicaid information, check myplan.healthy.la.gov or call 1-855-229-6848.
