Louisiana Medicaid Guide: Eligibility & How to Apply
Helping Louisiana families understand Medicaid eligibility, income limits, and step-by-step application guidance so you can access the care you need.
Louisiana Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible low-income children, parents, pregnant people, seniors, and adults at little or no cost. Many Louisiana families qualify but do not realize it, or are unsure how to apply.
If your family is eligible for Medicaid, Nest Health offers in-home and virtual care that works with select plans like AmeriHealth Caritas of Louisiana and Aetna Better Health of Louisiana. Call us at 📞 866-222-NEST (6378) for help navigating your potential care options.
Key takeaways
- Many eligible families haven't applied. Louisiana Medicaid (Healthy Louisiana) offers low- or no-cost coverage to eligible children, parents, pregnant people, seniors, and adults, but many qualifying families don't realize it or aren't sure how to apply.
- Eligibility depends on income and household size. Most programs use Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), with different thresholds for expansion adults, children (LaCHIP), and pregnant people (LaMOMS), effective March 1, 2026.
- You can apply four different ways. Apply online at MyMedicaid.la.gov, by phone, in person, or by mail — online applications are typically processed fastest, and most are reviewed within 30-45 days.
- Renewal rules are changing soon. Starting December 2026, expansion adults must renew every 6 months instead of yearly, and starting January 1, 2027, they'll need to report 80 hours per month of qualifying activity unless exempt.
What Is Louisiana Medicaid?
Louisiana Medicaid (also known as Healthy Louisiana) is a government health insurance program that helps pay for doctor visits, hospital care, vaccines, prescriptions, mental health services, and more for qualifying residents. Medicaid eligibility is based on income, household size, and sometimes special life situations like pregnancy or disability.
Families can use Louisiana Medicaid to access care with providers like Nest Health, including:
Family medicine
In-home and virtual visits
Services in New Orleans and Baton Rouge for eligible families
Learn more about care in your area:
Who Qualifies for Louisiana Medicaid?
You may qualify if you meet eligibility based on these criteria:
Income level compared to federal poverty guidelines
Household size (family members living with you)
Children, parents or caretakers, pregnant people, adults under 65, seniors, and people with disabilities
Special circumstances like pregnancy or chronic health conditions
Medicaid is different from Medicare, which is primarily for adults ages 65 and older.
Nest services may be available to your family at no additional cost through your Medicaid health plan.
Louisiana Medicaid Income Limits
Below are general Louisiana Medicaid income guidelines based on household size and federal poverty levels. Most programs use Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).
Expansion Adults (Ages 19–64) — Effective March 1, 2026
| Household Size | Monthly Limit | Annual Limit | % of Federal Poverty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,836 | ~$22,032 | 138% |
| 2 | $2,489 | ~$29,868 | 138% |
| 3 | $3,142 | ~$37,704 | 138% |
| 4 | $3,795 | ~$45,540 | 138% |
| 5 | $4,449 | ~$53,388 | 138% |
| 6 | $5,102 | ~$61,224 | 138% |
| 7 | $5,755 | ~$69,060 | 138% |
| 8 | $6,408 | ~$76,896 | 138% |
Other Program Thresholds — 2026
| Household Size | Monthly Limit | Annual Limit | % of Federal Poverty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,836 | ~$22,032 | 138% |
| 2 | $2,489 | ~$29,868 | 138% |
| 3 | $3,142 | ~$37,704 | 138% |
| 4 | $3,795 | ~$45,540 | 138% |
| 5 | $4,449 | ~$53,388 | 138% |
| 6 | $5,102 | ~$61,224 | 138% |
| 7 | $5,755 | ~$69,060 | 138% |
| 8 | $6,408 | ~$76,896 | 138% |
Limits above are for expansion adults. Children (LaCHIP) and pregnant people (LaMOMS) qualify at higher thresholds — see the table above.
Programs for seniors and people with disabilities (ABD, nursing home, waiver) may include asset limits in addition to income limits.
Figures effective March 1, 2026, per the Louisiana Department of Health Eligibility Manual.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Louisiana
Applying is easier when you know what to expect. Below is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Have these ready before you start your application:
Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, birth certificate, or passport)
Social Security numbers for all applicants
Proof of income — last 4 weeks of pay stubs, most recent tax return, or benefits award letters (e.g., SSA, unemployment)
Proof of Louisiana residency (lease agreement, mortgage statement, or utility bill)
Proof of citizenship or immigration status (U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or immigration documents)
For pregnant applicants: documentation of pregnancy from a healthcare provider
For applicants with a disability: a doctor's letter or SSA disability award letter
Other insurance information (if any)
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
Louisiana offers several ways to apply:
1. Online Application
Apply at MyMedicaid.la.gov
Create or log into your account
Upload documents directly
Check status online
Online submissions are typically processed fastest.
2. By Phone
Call Louisiana Medicaid at 📞 1-888-342-6207
Representatives help Monday-Friday
Interpreter services available
3. In-Person
Visit your local Louisiana Department of Health office
Bring all required documents
Staff can help complete your form
4. Mail or Fax
Download the application form
Complete it and attach documents
Mail or fax according to the instructions on the form
Processing times: Most applications are reviewed in 30-45 days.
After You Apply
Application Review
Louisiana Medicaid reviews your information
You might be asked for extra documents
Pregnant people and children may get faster reviews
Check Your Status
Online at MyMedicaid.la.gov
Call Louisiana Medicaid
Watch for mail or email notices
If You Are Approved
You will receive:
Approval letter
Louisiana Medicaid ID card
You can also access your Medicaid ID digitally through the free LA Wallet app (available on iOS and Android)
Instructions to select a managed care plan
Information about covered services
Once approved, you can use your Medicaid plan with providers, including Nest Health.
If You Are Denied
Your denial notice will include:
Why you were denied
How to request an appeal (often within 90 days)
What steps to take next
You can:
Appeal with supporting documents
Reapply if your situation changes
Explore Marketplace plans or LaCHIP for children
Healthy Louisiana Plan Options (2026)
Once approved, you will choose a Healthy Louisiana managed care plan. As of April 1, 2026, five plans are available statewide:
| Plan | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Aetna Better Health of Louisiana | 1-888-360-1142 |
| AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana | 1-888-756-0004 |
| Healthy Blue | 1-833-388-0027 |
| Humana Healthy Horizons in Louisiana | 1-866-432-0001 |
| Louisiana Healthcare Connections | 1-866-595-8133 |
For help choosing a plan, call the Louisiana Enrollment Broker at 1-855-229-6848 or visit MyPlan.healthy.la.gov.
Note: UnitedHealthcare Community Plan exited the Healthy Louisiana program on April 1, 2026. If you were previously enrolled with UnitedHealthcare, you were automatically transitioned to a new plan. Contact your new plan or call the Enrollment Broker at 1-855-229-6848 if you have questions.
Can I switch plans? Yes. Starting March 1, 2026, Healthy Louisiana members can switch plans at any time during the year without needing a reason — up to twice per year through December 31, 2026.
Nest Health works with select Healthy Louisiana plans. Call us at 📞 866-222-NEST (6378) to find out if your plan is covered, or learn more about telehealth covered by Louisiana Medicaid.
Renewing Louisiana Medicaid
Louisiana Medicaid must be renewed to keep your coverage active. Here's what to expect:
How to Renew:
Watch for a renewal notice by mail or email from Louisiana Medicaid — typically sent 60–90 days before your renewal deadline
Review your notice carefully and confirm your current income, household size, and address
Renew online at MyMedicaid.la.gov, by phone at 1-888-342-6207, or in person at your local LDH office
Submit any requested documents promptly to avoid a gap in coverage
Once renewed, you'll receive a confirmation, and your coverage will continue
For a full walkthrough, read: How to Renew Medicaid in Louisiana
Important: Upcoming Changes to Renewal Requirements
Federal legislation signed in 2025 — the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) — will change how often some Louisiana Medicaid members need to renew, and will introduce new eligibility requirements for certain adults.
More frequent eligibility checks (starting December 2026): Starting December 2026, adults enrolled through the ACA Medicaid expansion will need to renew their eligibility every 6 months instead of once a year. If you receive a renewal notice, respond promptly — missing a deadline could result in a gap in coverage.
New work and activity requirements (starting January 1, 2027): Adults ages 19–64 enrolled through the Medicaid expansion will be required to report at least 80 hours per month of qualifying activity. This includes:
Employment (paid work)
Job training or vocational education
Enrollment in an educational program
Community service or volunteer work
Exemptions apply if you are:
A parent or caretaker of a child under age 14
Pregnant
Living with a disability
A veteran or active-duty service member
Louisiana is required to notify affected members between June 30 and August 31, 2026. If you receive a notice about these changes, review it carefully and contact Louisiana Medicaid or your plan for guidance.
These changes are based on federal law. Louisiana-specific guidance on how to report activity hours is still being finalized by the Louisiana Department of Health and CMS.
FAQs
Sources & references
- Apply or renew your Louisiana Medicaid coverage. MyMedicaid.la.gov
- Medicaid.gov — eligibility tool. medicaid.gov/eligibility
- Compare Healthy Louisiana managed care plans. myplan.healthy.la.gov
- Louisiana Department of Health — 2026 Louisiana Medicaid changes. ldh.la.gov/medicaid/medicaid2026
- New Orleans Medicaid care with Nest Health. nesthealth.com/new-orleans-medicaid
- Baton Rouge Medicaid care with Nest Health. nesthealth.com/baton-rouge-care
- Nest Health services for Medicaid families. Nest Health family medicine services
Need Help?
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) to learn about Medicaid-covered care options with Nest Health.
Start your family's care at home, today.
Nest services may be available to your family at no additional cost through your Medicaid health plan. Call 866-222-NEST (6378) to check your eligibility.
