How to renew Medicaid in Louisiana: Step-by-step guide
Renewing Louisiana Medicaid each year is required to keep your health coverage active. Missing a renewal deadline can lead to lost coverage and gaps in care for you or your children. This guide walks Louisiana families through how Medicaid renewal works, when to renew, and how to complete the process on time.
If your family has a participating Louisiana Medicaid health plan like AmeriHealth Caritas of Louisiana or Aetna Better Health of Louisiana, Nest Health provides in-home and virtual care designed to make healthcare easier to access. Learn more about covered care in Baton Rouge and New Orleans through Nest Health.
Understanding Louisiana Medicaid renewal
Louisiana Medicaid renewal, also called redetermination, is the process the state uses each year to confirm that you still qualify for Medicaid coverage. Instead of starting a new application, renewal updates your existing information like income, household size, and address.
All Louisiana Medicaid programs require renewal, including Healthy Louisiana managed care plans. Completing renewal on time is important because missing your deadline can cause your coverage to end even if you are still eligible.
You can learn more about eligibility and income limits in our Louisiana Medicaid Guide: Eligibility and How to Apply.
When do I need to renew my Louisiana Medicaid?
Louisiana Medicaid must be renewed once every 12 months.
Here is what to expect:
📬 Renewal notice
The Louisiana Department of Health sends a renewal letter about 60 days before your renewal is due
⏰ Deadline
You usually have 30 days from the date on your notice to complete your renewal
Always check your letter for the exact date
🔁 Reminders
If you do not respond, you may receive multiple notices by mail
📌 Important
Make sure your mailing address, phone number, and email are up to date so you receive renewal notices on time
How to renew Louisiana Medicaid
Louisiana offers several ways to complete your Medicaid renewal. Choose the option that works best for your family and submit it before your deadline.
Renewal methods
Online renewal, fastest option 💻
Renewing online is the quickest and easiest way for most families.
Steps:
Visit the Healthy Louisiana portal
Log into your account
Select Renewals or My Renewals
Review your pre filled information
Update any changes
Upload requested documents
Submit your renewal
Save your confirmation
Benefits include faster processing, immediate confirmation, and the ability to track your renewal status online.
Phone renewal ☎️
You can renew by phone with help from a Medicaid representative.
Steps:
Call 1 888 342 6207
Have your case number ready if available
Answer questions about income and household changes
The representative completes the renewal for you
Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM CST. Interpreter services are available.
Mail renewal 📬
Some families renew by mail using the form sent to them.
Steps:
Review the renewal form you received
Update any changes
Sign and date the form
Include copies of requested documents
Mail it to the address listed
Mail renewals take longer to process, so send them as early as possible.
In-person renewal 🏢
You can also renew in person at a local Medicaid office.
Steps:
Find your local Louisiana Medicaid office
Bring your renewal notice and documents
Get help completing your renewal
Submit and receive confirmation
What information do I need to renew?
Louisiana often pre fills your information, but you must confirm that everything is correct.
Information to verify and update
You may need to review or update:
Personal information, including address, phone number, household members
Income information, including job changes or new income sources
Health insurance, such as employer coverage or Medicare
Life changes, including a new baby, marriage, divorce, or a move
Reporting accurate information helps prevent delays or loss of coverage.
Documents you may need for renewal
Not everyone needs to submit documents, but Louisiana Medicaid may ask for proof if something changed.
Commonly requested documents
If your income changed:
Recent pay stubs from the last two to four weeks
Most recent tax return
Benefit letters for SSI, unemployment, or child support
Self employment records if applicable
If your household changed:
Birth certificate for a new baby
Marriage certificate or divorce decree
Proof of identity for new household members
If you moved:
Utility bill with your current address
Lease or mortgage statement
Official mail showing your new address
If you have new insurance:
Insurance card
Employer insurance offer letter
📌 Tip: Always submit copies, not originals.
What happens after I submit my renewal?
Processing time ⏳
Most Louisiana Medicaid renewals are processed within 30 to 45 days, often faster than new applications.
You can:
Watch for mail or email updates
Log into the Healthy Louisiana portal to check your status
If additional information is needed
You may receive a letter asking for more documents.
Response deadlines are usually 10 to 30 days
Submit documents online, by mail, fax, or in person
Respond quickly to avoid denial
If your renewal is approved ✅
You will receive:
A confirmation letter
An updated Medicaid card if information changed
New coverage dates
Your coverage continues without interruption, and your benefits remain the same. Some members may need to re-select a managed care plan.
If your renewal is denied ❌
Renewals may be denied if:
Income is now above eligibility limits
Required documents were not submitted
Requests for information were missed
Your address was outdated
Your options include:
Appeal the decision
Request a hearing within 90 days
Submit additional documentation
Explain your situation
Reapply
If circumstances change
If you can now provide required documents
You can also call 1 888 342 6207 if you believe the decision was an error. Free help may be available through Louisiana Legal Services.
Special situations and continuous coverage
Continuous coverage for certain groups 👶🤰
Some Louisiana Medicaid members have continuous coverage:
Children under age 1 have 12 months of continuous coverage
Pregnant women remain covered through pregnancy and 60 days postpartum
Some young children may qualify for extended coverage
Even if income changes temporarily, coverage may continue. Always check your approval letter.
Reporting changes between renewals
Some changes must be reported within 10 days, including:
Moving out of Louisiana
Gaining other health insurance
Major income increases
You can report changes:
Online through the Healthy Louisiana portal
By calling 1 888 342 6207
By mailing written notice to your local office
Reporting changes helps prevent problems or repayment later.
Frequently asked questions about Louisiana Medicaid renewal
What if I do not receive a renewal notice?
Contact Louisiana Medicaid or log into your online account to check your renewal date.
Can I renew early?
You usually must wait until your renewal window opens.
What if my income changed but I am still eligible?
Report the change and complete your renewal. Many families still qualify.
Do my children need separate renewals?
Family members are usually renewed together, but always confirm.
What happens to coverage while renewal is processing?
Coverage often continues if you renew on time.
Can someone help me with my renewal?
Yes. Medicaid representatives, community organizations, and legal services can help.
What if I am temporarily out of state?
You should still complete renewal on time and report your situation if asked.
Get the healthcare you need with Nest Health
Medicaid helps families access essential healthcare, but finding care that fits real life can still be hard. Nest Health brings care directly to families with participating Medicaid health plans like AmeriHealth Caritas of Louisiana and Aetna Better Health, offering:
In home primary and pediatric care
Telehealth visits for medical and mental health needs
Whole-family focused care
If you have been contacted by Nest Health or your health plan and think you may be eligible, call 866 222 NEST (6378) to learn more.
