How to Find a Medicaid Provider in Louisiana

Written By Nest Health

Finding a Medicaid provider in Louisiana can feel confusing at first, especially because most families are enrolled in a managed care plan with its own network. The good news is that Louisiana Medicaid includes thousands of doctors, specialists, dentists, and behavioral health providers across the state.

This guide breaks the process down into simple steps so you can find the right care quickly, whether you need a pediatrician, a primary care doctor, a dentist, or a therapist.

And if you’re looking for Nest Health specifically, we’ll also explain which Louisiana Medicaid plans we’re in-network with (so you don’t waste time calling around).

Understanding Louisiana's Medicaid Managed Care System

Most Louisiana Medicaid members are enrolled in managed care, not traditional (fee-for-service) Medicaid. That matters because it determines how you find a provider.

What is managed care?

Managed care means your Medicaid coverage is delivered through a private health plan (also called an MCO, or Managed Care Organization). These plans:

  • Work with a network of doctors and clinics

  • Coordinate your care

  • Require you to use in-network providers (in most cases)

Because each plan has its own network, the best provider directory is usually the one for your exact plan.

Louisiana's five Medicaid managed care plans

Louisiana Medicaid currently works with five managed care plans, and each offers statewide coverage:

  • AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana

  • Aetna Better Health of Louisiana

  • Healthy Blue (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana)

  • Louisiana Healthcare Connections (Centene)

  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

If you’re not sure which plan you have, check your Medicaid ID card or call Louisiana Medicaid Customer Service.

Legacy Medicaid (fee-for-service)

A smaller number of members remain on Legacy Medicaid, also called fee-for-service Medicaid. If you’re in this group:

  • You may be able to see any provider who accepts Louisiana Medicaid

  • You do not need to stay inside a specific plan network

However, most members have been transitioned into managed care plans.

Step-by-Step: How to Find a Provider

Whether you're looking for a primary care doctor, pediatrician, specialist, dentist, or behavioral health provider, Louisiana offers several ways to search for providers who accept your Medicaid coverage.

Step 1: Identify your Medicaid plan

Start here, always.

You can find your plan by:

  • Checking your Medicaid ID card (your plan name is listed)

  • Logging into your MyMedicaid.LA.gov account

  • Calling Louisiana Medicaid Customer Service: 1-888-342-6207

If you’re searching online, this step prevents the most common mistake: choosing a provider who takes Medicaid, but not your plan.

Step 2: Use your health plan's provider directory

Each Louisiana Medicaid plan has a “Find a Provider” tool. This is the most accurate way to find in-network doctors.

AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana
Use the AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana provider search tool. You can search by:

  • Provider name

  • Specialty

  • Location

  • Language

  • Accepting new patients

Member services: 1-888-756-0004

Aetna Better Health of Louisiana
Use the Aetna “Find a Provider” tool to search for:

  • Doctors and specialists

  • Dentists

  • Therapists and behavioral health providers

Member services: 1-855-242-0802

Healthy Blue (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana)
Healthy Blue offers an online provider search where you can:

  • Search by provider type or specialty

  • Filter by location

  • Download a provider directory PDF if preferred

Member services: 1-844-521-6941

Louisiana Healthcare Connections

Use the “Find a Doctor” tool and filter by:

  • Location

  • Specialty

  • Services

Member services: Check the back of your ID card.

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

Use the UnitedHealthcare Louisiana provider directory to:

  • Search for primary care doctors and specialists

  • Filter by providers accepting new patients

Member services: Check the back of your ID card.

Step 3: Use the Louisiana Medicaid Provider Locator Map

Louisiana also offers a statewide provider tool called the Louisiana Medicaid Provider Locator Map.

You can use it to:

  • Search by parish or region

  • Filter by service type (primary care, mental health, vision, dental, etc.)

  • Compare options across different provider types

This tool can be especially helpful if you’re searching for something specific, like a pediatric specialist or a mental health provider.

Step 4: Call for help finding a provider

If online directories aren’t working (or you want a human to help), you have two strong options:

  • Louisiana Medicaid Customer Service: 1-888-342-6207
    Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

  • Your managed care plan’s member services
    (number on the back of your Medicaid ID card)

Finding Specific Types of Providers

Different provider types sometimes use different networks or search tools, so here’s how to find the care you need faster.

Primary care doctors and pediatricians

To find a primary care provider:

  • Use your plan’s provider directory

  • Search “primary care physician” or “pediatrician”

  • Filter by location and accepting new patients

  • Consider office hours and distance from home

Specialists (cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, etc.)

To find a specialist:

  • Use your plan’s specialist directory

  • Confirm whether you need a referral (many plans do)

  • Call the specialist’s office to verify they accept your exact plan

Even if the directory lists them, always confirm by phone before scheduling.

Dentists

Dental coverage can work a little differently.

Start by checking your plan’s dental directory. You can also look into Liberty Dental Plan, which Louisiana Medicaid contracts with for some dental services.

Vision providers

Louisiana Medicaid contracts with Superior Vision for vision services.

Behavioral health and mental health providers

For mental health support, start with your plan’s behavioral health directory and filter by:

  • Therapist

  • Psychiatrist

  • Counselor

  • Substance use treatment

Many Louisiana Medicaid plans also cover telehealth therapy, which can be a huge help if local providers have long waitlists.

Depending on your plan, Magellan Health may coordinate some behavioral health services.

Pharmacies

Most pharmacies in Louisiana accept Medicaid, including major chains like:

  • CVS

  • Walgreens

  • Walmart

You can also search your plan’s pharmacy network to confirm coverage. Many independent pharmacies participate too.

What to Do If You Can't Find a Provider

If you’re struggling to find someone who accepts your plan, is accepting new patients, or is located near you, don’t give up. This is common, and there are steps you can take.

Call your health plan's member services

This is often the fastest solution.

Tell them:

  • Your parish or ZIP code

  • What type of provider you need

  • Any language preferences

  • Whether you need an appointment soon

They can often:

  • Identify providers currently accepting new patients

  • Help schedule appointments

  • Suggest alternatives if local options are limited

Contact Louisiana Medicaid Customer Service

If you need broader help, call: Louisiana Medicaid Customer Service: 1-888-342-6207

You can ask about:

  • Provider availability in your area

  • What to do if there are no in-network providers nearby

  • Options for accessing out-of-network care

Consider telehealth options

Telehealth can be a great option when local providers are booked out, especially for:

  • Mental health therapy

  • Follow-up appointments

  • Some primary care needs

Always confirm telehealth coverage with your plan.

Ask about Nest Health’s in-home and virtual care

Nest Health provides in-home and virtual care for eligible families.

Important: Nest Health is only in-network with the following Louisiana Medicaid plans:

  • AmeriHealth Caritas of Louisiana

  • Aetna Better Health of Louisiana

  • Humana Healthy Horizons in Louisiana

If you are contacted by Nest or your health plan, or think your family may be eligible, call us today at:
📞 866-222-NEST (6378)

Important Tips for Finding and Choosing Providers

Once you’ve found a few options, these tips can help you avoid surprises and find a better fit.

Verify the provider accepts your specific plan

Before scheduling, always confirm:

  • They accept your plan

  • They are currently in-network

  • They are accepting new Medicaid patients

Provider directories change often, so calling is key.

Check provider availability

Ask about:

  • Wait times for new patient appointments

  • Office hours

  • Same-day or urgent appointmentsb

Consider location and transportation

If transportation is a barrier:

  • Ask if your plan offers transportation help

  • Look for providers closer to home

  • Consider telehealth when appropriate

Ask about language services

Louisiana Medicaid plans must provide interpreter services at no cost.

If you prefer care in Spanish or another language:

  • Filter by language in provider directories

  • Ask the office directly when scheduling

Nest Health also offers Spanish-speaking providers and translation services for eligible families.

Read reviews and ask for recommendations

If you’re choosing between providers:

  • Read online reviews

  • Ask friends and family

  • Ask your current doctor for referrals

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which Medicaid plan I'm enrolled in?

Check your Medicaid ID card, log into MyMedicaid.LA.gov, or call Louisiana Medicaid Customer Service at 1-888-342-6207.

Can I change my Medicaid managed care plan?

Yes. You can typically change plans:

  • Within 90 days of enrollment

  • During your anniversary month each year

Contact Louisiana Medicaid to request a plan change.

What if there are no providers near me?

Call your health plan’s member services. They may:

  • Help you access an out-of-network provider

  • Offer telehealth options

  • Assist with transportation services

You can also explore Nest Health’s in-home and virtual care if eligible.

Do I need a referral to see a specialist?

It depends on your plan. Some require a referral from your primary care doctor, while others allow direct access. Always confirm with your plan.

What if a provider says they don't accept my Medicaid plan?

Call your plan’s member services to verify coverage. Provider directories are updated regularly, but they aren’t always perfectly current.

Are there providers who speak Spanish?

Yes. Use your plan’s directory to filter by language. Many providers offer services in Spanish and other languages, and health plans provide interpreters at no cost.

Nest Health also offers Spanish-speaking providers for eligible families.

Can I see any doctor with Louisiana Medicaid?

If you're enrolled in a managed care plan (most members are), you must choose providers in your plan’s network.

If you're on Legacy Medicaid (fee-for-service), you may be able to see any provider who accepts Louisiana Medicaid.

Does Medicaid cover emergency care?

Yes. Louisiana Medicaid covers emergency services, even if you go to an out-of-network emergency room.

Ready for Medicaid-covered care at home?

If you are contacted by Nest or your health plan, or think your family may be eligible, call us today at 📞 866-222-NEST (6378)

Nest Health
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