What Happens to My Medicaid When I Turn 65?
When a Louisiana Medicaid member turns 65, their current Healthy Louisiana coverage changes significantly. ACA expansion Medicaid is only available to adults under 65 without Medicare, so members must enroll in Medicare at 65 and re-qualify for Medicaid under the stricter Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) rules. Not everyone will continue to qualify.
Do You Automatically Lose Medicaid When You Turn 65?
Louisiana's ACA expansion Medicaid (Healthy Louisiana) is limited to adults under 65 who don't have Medicare. Turning 65 doesn't automatically cancel coverage, but it does trigger a redetermination.
Members must enroll in Medicare, and their Medicaid eligibility is re-evaluated under the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) program rules, which have significantly stricter income and asset limits. Members who no longer meet the ABD criteria will lose Medicaid coverage.
What Are the Income and Asset Limits for Medicaid After 65 in Louisiana?
ABD Medicaid in Louisiana has significantly stricter financial requirements than expansion Medicaid. As of 2026, the income limit for a single ABD applicant is $994 per month, and the asset limit is $2,000.
Members whose income or assets exceed these limits won't qualify for ABD Medicaid, though some may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program instead. Contact LDH at 1-888-342-6207 to understand your options before you turn 65.
What Is Dual Eligibility, and Could I Qualify?
Members who meet both Medicare and Louisiana Medicaid eligibility requirements at 65 are considered dual-eligible:
Medicare becomes the primary payer, covering most medical costs.
Medicaid acts as the secondary payer, covering remaining costs such as copays, deductibles, and services Medicare doesn't cover, including long-term care.
Dual-eligible members may also qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which can help pay Medicare Part B premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
What Should I Do About Medicare Before I Turn 65?
Enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before your 65th birthday — enrollment is not automatic, even for current Medicaid members.
Contact Louisiana Medicaid at 1-888-342-6207 to understand how your coverage will change.
Review your income and assets against the ABD Medicaid limits.
Ask about Medicare Savings Programs if you may not qualify for full ABD Medicaid.
How Can Nest Health Support Me as I Approach 65?
Nest Health provides whole-family in-home and virtual care for eligible Medicaid members in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas, and Nest providers can help members navigate care transitions and connect with appropriate resources as their coverage changes.
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.
