Does Louisiana Medicaid Cover Vasectomies?
Yes. Louisiana Medicaid covers vasectomies for eligible members age 21 and older. You must sign a federal consent form, and at least 30 days usually must pass before the procedure.
What Are the Requirements to Get a Vasectomy Through Louisiana Medicaid?
You must meet federal consent rules and use a provider who accepts your Medicaid coverage.
The main requirements include:
You must be at least 21 years old when you sign the consent form.
You must choose the procedure freely and understand that it is meant to be permanent.
You must sign the required sterilization consent form.
In most cases, at least 30 days must pass after you sign the form before the vasectomy.
The procedure must usually happen within 180 days of signing.
Your provider must follow Louisiana Medicaid billing and documentation rules.
Your health plan may require the provider to ask for approval before the procedure.
Limited exceptions to the 30-day waiting period apply to premature delivery and emergency abdominal surgery. Those exceptions do not normally apply to a planned vasectomy.
Call your Medicaid health plan before making the appointment. Ask whether you need a referral, which doctors are in the plan’s network, and whether the doctor must request prior approval.
What Is the Take Charge Plus Program?
Take Charge Plus is a Louisiana Medicaid program that covers family planning care for people who meet its income and eligibility rules.
Covered care includes:
Family planning visits
Birth control
Family planning counseling
Lab work and prescriptions related to family planning
Testing and treatment for certain sexually transmitted infections
Voluntary sterilization for men and women over age 21
Transportation to family planning appointments
Income limits depend on household size and can change. A person may have other insurance and still qualify. Louisiana Medicaid recommends applying to find out whether you are eligible.
Visit the Louisiana Department of Health Take Charge Plus page for current income limits and application information.
Is a Vasectomy Permanent?
A vasectomy should be treated as permanent birth control. Reversal procedures are difficult, may cost a lot, and may not work.
A vasectomy also does not work right away. Sperm can remain after the procedure. Your healthcare provider will tell you when to complete a semen test and when it is safe to stop using another form of birth control.
A vasectomy does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms can help lower the risk of many infections.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your plans, questions, and other birth control choices before signing the consent form.
Can Nest Health Help With Family Planning?
Nest Health can discuss family planning choices and help eligible Medicaid members find the right provider. During an in-home or virtual visit, your Nest provider can answer health questions, review your medicines and medical history, and help coordinate a referral when needed.
Nest does not perform vasectomies. The procedure must be completed by a qualified provider who accepts your Medicaid plan.
Have Questions About Family Planning or Your Health?
Nest Health provides whole-family medical and behavioral healthcare through in-home and virtual visits. Eligible parents and children can receive care from one connected team instead of managing several separate offices.
Nest services may be available at no additional cost through a Medicaid health plan that partners with Nest. Call 866-222-NEST (6378) to see whether your family is eligible.
