Louisiana is one of the states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, opening the door to health coverage for hundreds of thousands of residents who previously fell into a coverage gap. If you live in Louisiana and are wondering whether you or your family might qualify for Medicaid in 2026, this guide breaks down the eligibility requirements, income limits, application steps, and key programs you need to know about. You can also use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for Medicaid and other assistance programs in just a few minutes.
For a broader look at all available assistance programs in the state, visit our Louisiana Benefits Overview.
What Is Louisiana Medicaid (Healthy Louisiana)?
Louisiana Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides free or low cost health coverage to eligible residents. The state administers the program through the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), and most enrollees receive their care through managed care organizations under the Healthy Louisiana program.
As of late 2023, roughly 1.8 million Louisiana residents (about 38% of the state population) were enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016, which extended coverage to adults aged 19 to 64 with household incomes at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Who Qualifies for Louisiana Medicaid in 2026?
Eligibility for Louisiana Medicaid depends on your age, household size, income, and in some cases your assets or medical needs. The main groups that may qualify include:
- Adults aged 19 to 64 with income at or below 138% FPL (Medicaid expansion)
- Children under 19 with family income at or below 212% FPL (through LaCHIP)
- Pregnant and postpartum women with income at or below 138% FPL (coverage continues for 12 months after delivery)
- Parents and caretaker relatives of children under 19
- Seniors aged 65 and older who meet income and asset requirements
- People with disabilities who meet income and asset requirements
- SSI recipients who automatically qualify for Medicaid
You must also be a Louisiana resident, a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, and not currently incarcerated.
2026 Income Limits for Louisiana Medicaid
Income limits are based on the Federal Poverty Level, which is updated each year. The 2026 FPL guidelines were published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in early 2026. Louisiana typically transitions to the new FPL numbers for Medicaid eligibility by March or April of each year.
Adults (Ages 19 to 64) at 138% FPL
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,025 | $1,835 |
| 2 | $29,863 | $2,489 |
| 3 | $37,702 | $3,142 |
| 4 | $45,540 | $3,795 |
| 5 | $53,378 | $4,448 |
| 6 | $61,217 | $5,102 |
Children Under 19 (LaCHIP) at 212% FPL
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $33,835 | $2,820 |
| 2 | $45,877 | $3,823 |
| 3 | $57,918 | $4,827 |
| 4 | $69,960 | $5,830 |
| 5 | $82,002 | $6,834 |
| 6 | $94,043 | $7,837 |
Aged, Blind, and Disabled (Regular Medicaid)
For seniors 65 and older and people with disabilities who are not in long term care, income limits are generally set at 100% of the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). In 2026, this is approximately $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 per month for a couple. An asset limit of $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples also applies.
Long Term Care (Nursing Home and Home and Community Based Services)
For individuals who need nursing facility level of care, the income limit is 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate (approximately $2,901 per month in 2026). A $2,000 asset limit applies, and there is a 60 month look back period for asset transfers. A Qualified Income Trust (also called a Miller Trust) may be used if income exceeds the limit.
Note: Income limits are subject to change. The figures above are based on the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines and may be updated by the state. Always verify current limits with the Louisiana Department of Health.
Key Louisiana Medicaid Programs
Healthy Louisiana (Medicaid Managed Care)
Most Medicaid enrollees in Louisiana receive their benefits through one of five managed care organizations (MCOs) under the Healthy Louisiana program. Covered services include doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health services, preventive care, and more.
LaCHIP (Louisiana Children's Health Insurance Program)
LaCHIP provides health coverage for uninsured children under 19 whose families earn too much for traditional Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Families with income up to 212% FPL may qualify, and there is no asset test for children.
Postpartum Coverage
Louisiana was the first state to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months after delivery using American Rescue Plan funding. This means new mothers who qualify for Medicaid during pregnancy will continue to have coverage for a full year after giving birth.
Medicaid Purchase Plan
Louisiana also offers a Medicaid Purchase Plan for working individuals with disabilities, allowing them to buy into Medicaid coverage even if their income is above traditional limits.
How to Apply for Louisiana Medicaid in 2026
Applying for Medicaid in Louisiana is straightforward, and there are several ways to submit your application:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before you begin, collect the following:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of Louisiana residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or employer letter)
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- Information about any current health insurance
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
You can apply using any of the following options:
- Online: Visit the Louisiana Medicaid Online Application Center or apply through Healthcare.gov
- By phone: Call 1-888-342-6207 (toll free)
- In person: Visit a local Medicaid application center or Department of Health office
- By mail or fax: Download the application from the LDH website, complete it, and mail to Medicaid, P.O. Box 91278, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9278, or fax to 1-877-523-2987
Step 3: Submit and Wait for a Decision
After you submit your application, the Louisiana Department of Health will review your information. You should receive a determination within 45 days (or 90 days for disability related applications). If approved, you will receive information about choosing a Healthy Louisiana managed care plan.
Step 4: Choose a Managed Care Plan
Once approved, you will need to select one of the participating managed care organizations. You can compare plans and enroll through the Healthy Louisiana portal.
What Does Louisiana Medicaid Cover?
Louisiana Medicaid covers a wide range of health services, including:
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Hospital inpatient and outpatient care
- Emergency room services
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Preventive care and screenings
- Lab work and diagnostic imaging
- Dental care (limited for adults, comprehensive for children)
- Vision care
- Home health services
- Nursing facility care
- Transportation to medical appointments
Children enrolled in LaCHIP receive comprehensive coverage including dental, vision, and hearing services through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit.
Medicaid Renewals in Louisiana
Louisiana Medicaid enrollees must renew their coverage each year. The state will send a renewal notice before your coverage period ends. You can renew online through the Louisiana Medicaid portal, by phone, or by mail. It is important to keep your contact information up to date with the state to avoid losing coverage due to missed renewal notices.
Following the end of the COVID era continuous enrollment provision, Louisiana completed its Medicaid unwinding process. More than 450,000 people were disenrolled between mid 2023 and early 2024, with more than half of those being procedural disenrollments. If you were previously disenrolled and believe you are still eligible, you can reapply at any time.
Other Benefits You May Qualify For
If you qualify for Louisiana Medicaid, you may also be eligible for other assistance programs. Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for:
- SNAP (food stamps): Helps with grocery costs for households with income at or below 130% FPL
- LIHEAP: Assists with home energy bills for households at or below 150% FPL
- WIC: Provides nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5
- Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): Helps working families afford child care
- EITC and Child Tax Credit: Federal tax credits for working families
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I qualify for Louisiana Medicaid?
The fastest way to check is to use our free eligibility screener. Generally, if you are a Louisiana resident with income below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $22,025 per year for an individual in 2026), you may qualify. Children, pregnant women, and seniors have different income thresholds.
Does Louisiana have Medicaid expansion?
Yes. Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016 under the Affordable Care Act. This means adults aged 19 to 64 with household income at or below 138% FPL can qualify for Medicaid, even if they do not have children.
What is LaCHIP?
LaCHIP is Louisiana's Children's Health Insurance Program. It provides health coverage for uninsured children under 19 in families with income up to 212% of the Federal Poverty Level.
How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid in Louisiana?
Most applications are processed within 45 days. Applications involving a disability determination may take up to 90 days.
Can I apply for Medicaid if I am pregnant?
Yes. Pregnant women in Louisiana can apply for Medicaid, and coverage extends for 12 months after delivery. Presumptive eligibility may also be available, which provides temporary coverage while your full application is being processed.
What happens if my income changes after I am enrolled?
You are required to report changes in income, household size, or other circumstances to the Louisiana Department of Health. Changes may affect your eligibility or the benefits you receive. Report changes through the Medicaid portal, by phone at 1-888-342-6207, or in person.
Is there an asset limit for Louisiana Medicaid?
For most groups (children, pregnant women, parents, and expansion adults), there is no asset test. For seniors aged 65 and older and people with disabilities, asset limits of $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples apply.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Eligibility requirements and income limits are subject to change. Always verify current information with the Louisiana Department of Health or use our free screener to check your eligibility.
