Louisiana Medicaid Expansion: What It Is and Who Qualifies
Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016 under the Affordable Care Act. The program is called Healthy Louisiana, and it allows more adults with low to moderate incomes to qualify for coverage. Before expansion, many adults had no path to Medicaid. Today, hundreds of thousands of Louisianans have access to care. This guide explains what Medicaid expansion means, who qualifies, what it covers, and how to apply. Nest Health also provides in-home and virtual care for Louisiana Medicaid families.
If you’ve been contacted by Nest or your health plan or think your family may be eligible, call 866-222-NEST (6378).
Is Louisiana a Medicaid Expansion State?
Yes. Louisiana is a Medicaid expansion state.
Medicaid expansion took effect on July 1, 2016, under the program Healthy Louisiana. Enrollment opened June 1, 2016 after an executive order signed earlier that year.
Before expansion:
Adults without children could not qualify at any income level
Parents had to earn less than about 24% of the Federal Poverty Level
Expansion changed that by opening coverage to adults with lower incomes, regardless of parental status.
Impact:
Around 700,000 adults enrolled through expansion by 2023
Total Medicaid enrollment reached about 1.6 million residents by 2025
What Is Medicaid Expansion?
Medicaid expansion is a provision of the Affordable Care Act that allows states to cover more adults.
In expansion states like Louisiana:
Adults ages 19 to 64 can qualify based on income alone
The income limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
Parental status and disability are not required
Before expansion, many people fell into a “coverage gap.” They earned too much for traditional Medicaid but not enough for Marketplace coverage. Expansion closed that gap.
The federal government covers about 90% of the cost of expansion, which made it financially viable for states like Louisiana.
Who Qualifies Under Louisiana’s Medicaid Expansion?
Income and age eligibility
Adults qualify if they:
Are ages 19 to 64
Have income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level
For example:
About $21,597 per year for a single adult (2025 estimate)
Eligibility is based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), not assets. Income limits are updated annually.
Who else qualifies?
Medicaid expansion is just one part of Louisiana Medicaid. Other groups may qualify under different rules:
Children (0 to 18): Higher income limits
Pregnant women: Covered through LaMOMS, with 12 months postpartum coverage
Seniors and people with disabilities: Separate eligibility pathways
Emergency Medicaid: May be available for certain urgent situations
Louisiana was the first state to implement 12-month postpartum coverage, expanding access for new mothers.
Who does NOT qualify under Medicaid expansion?
Adults age 65 and older
Adults with income above 138% FPL
Individuals without qualifying immigration status (except emergency coverage)
What Benefits Does Healthy Louisiana Cover?
Healthy Louisiana covers a wide range of essential services, often at little or no cost.
Covered services include:
Primary and preventive care
Doctor visits and checkups
Hospital and emergency care
Prescription medications
Mental and behavioral health services
Substance use treatment
Chronic disease management
Maternity and postpartum care
Dental and vision services, especially for children
Lab tests and imaging
Benefits may vary slightly by managed care plan, so it is important to confirm coverage with your plan.
How to Apply for Healthy Louisiana
Applying for Medicaid in Louisiana is straightforward, with several options available.
Application methods
Online (fastest)
Apply at: https://mymedicaid.la.gov
Available in English and Spanish
Track your application status
By phone
Call: 1-888-342-6207
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM CST
Interpreter services available
In person
Visit a local Medicaid office
By mail
Download forms at: https://www.lamedicaid.com
Documents you may need
Photo ID
Social Security numbers for household members
Proof of income
Proof of Louisiana residency
What If You Don’t Qualify for Medicaid Expansion?
If your income is above the limit, you still have options:
Marketplace plans: Visit https://www.healthcare.gov for subsidized coverage
LaCHIP: Covers children in families with higher incomes
Community health centers: Offer care on a sliding scale
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid expansion in Louisiana?
The limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is about $21,597 per year for one adult based on recent estimates.
Does Medicaid expansion cover adults without children?
Yes. That is one of the biggest changes under expansion.
How do I know if I am enrolled in Healthy Louisiana?
You can check your Medicaid card, log into your account, or call Medicaid customer service.
What managed care plans are part of Healthy Louisiana?
Healthy Louisiana includes plans like Aetna Better Health, AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana, Healthy Blue, Louisiana Healthcare Connections, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.
Does Medicaid expansion cover dental and vision?
Yes, especially for children. Adult coverage may vary by plan.
Does Nest Health accept Louisiana Medicaid expansion plans?
Nest Health works with select Louisiana Medicaid plans to provide in-home and virtual care for eligible families.
Get Help Understanding Your Coverage
If you’ve been contacted by Nest or your health plan or think your family may be eligible, our team can help you understand your Medicaid coverage and access care.
Call 866-222-NEST (6378) to learn more about your options and get started.
