Can Adults Get Medicaid in Louisiana?
Yes — adults in Louisiana can get Medicaid, even without children or a disability. Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016, opening coverage to low-income adults ages 19 to 64 based mainly on household income. Coverage is now available to low-income individuals, parents of dependent children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those who are disabled or blind.
The income cutoff is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) — a measure of income based on household size that the federal government updates every year. If your household income is at or below that line, you likely qualify.
Who Qualifies for Adult Medicaid in Louisiana?
You must meet all of the following criteria to qualify under the expansion pathway:
Age: 19 through 64. (65 and older may qualify for Medicare instead — and some people qualify for both.)
Residency: You must live in Louisiana.
Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizens and certain qualified immigrants are eligible. Emergency Medicaid may be available regardless of immigration status in urgent situations — contact LDH for details specific to you.
Income: At or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. For 2026, you may qualify if your household income is less than or equal to $1,836/month (or $22,025/year) for a one-person household, $2,489/month (or $29,863/year) for a household of two, or $3,142/month (or $37,702/year) for a household of three — add about $654/month for each additional person in your household
You can also qualify outside the expansion pathway if you are pregnant, a low-income parent of children under 19, receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or are blind or disabled.
You can check your eligibility and submit an application at any time using the online Louisiana Medicaid Self-Service Portal (MyMedicaid.la.gov). Alternatively, you can apply by phone or get application assistance by calling the Medicaid Customer Service line at 1-888-342-6207.
Adult Louisiana Medicaid Eligibility at a Glance
| Eligibility Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | 19 - 64 |
| Residency | Louisiana resident |
| Citizenship or immigration status | U.S. citizens and certain qualified immigrants |
| Income | At or below 138% of the FPL |
| Children required | No |
| Disability required | No, unless you don’t meet other requirements |
How Do Adults Apply for Medicaid in Louisiana?
You can apply through one of the following ways:
Online — through the Louisiana Medicaid portal (MyMedicaid.la.gov). See instructions.
By phone — call Louisiana Medicaid customer service at 1-888-342-6207, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In person — at your local Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) office; use the DCFS office locator to find one near you
Through Healthcare.gov — if you apply for Marketplace coverage and turn out to be Medicaid-eligible, your application gets forwarded automatically
Before you apply, have ready: proof of identity, proof of Louisiana residency, and income information (like a recent pay stub or tax return). For a full walkthrough, see our Louisiana Medicaid eligibility guide.
Already have Medicaid and want to make sure you stay covered?
Nest Health is an in-home, whole-family primary care provider for Medicaid families in New Orleans and Baton Rouge — and part of what we do is help our patients navigate renewals and keep their coverage active. If you're eligible for our services, our care team can help you understand what's coming up for your renewal and what to do next. Call 866-222-NEST (6378) to find out if your family qualifies.
