Medicaid is a health insurance plan that is supported by the government. In Louisiana, Medicaid plans are run by Healthy Louisiana.
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This is for people with low income or people with disabilities.
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You have to qualify based on your income, but the guidelines are different if you have a disability. (A person with a disability can qualify with a higher income.)
How to apply
There are 2 steps to applying for Medicaid:
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First you have to see if your family member qualifies. They call this "determining eligibility". The first step is to fill out an application, sign it, and submit it.
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If you qualify, then you enroll in one of the 5 health plans (MCO's).
First, we'll talk about the application.
Download the application:
Click on the link at the bottom of the page to download the application. (It will open in a new tab or appear in the bottom corner of your screen.)
Submit your application:
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You can apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person. If you can apply online, it might be faster.
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To fill out the application and submit it online, go to this web page: LA Medicaid Self-Service Portal. (It will open in a new tab on your screen) You'll have to create an account to do the application online, but it is free.
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Submit an application by mail.
If you qualify, enroll in one of the 5 health plans:
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Aetna Better Health
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Amerigroup Real Solutions
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Amerihealth Caritas Louisiana
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Louisiana Healthcare Connections
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UnitedHealthcare Community PlanLearn more:
Click the boxes below to learn more:
To qualify, it depends on your income and your disability.
You should qualify if your household income is less than a certain amount.
For people without a disability, this limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. (The Federal Poverty Level is a standard income level that is used to decide who should get benefits.)
BUT: if you have a disability, this limit is higher. It's complicated, but for now you should know that if your family is close to the level in chart above, then you have a good chance of qualifying.
Even if your income is higher, it's worth learning more!
See more in the section about Medicaid in the menu on the left.
Sources: LDH, Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana
Who to call for help?
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Call the Medicaid hotline toll free at 888-342-6207. They answer calls Monday through Friday from 7am to5pm. (For TTY, call 800-220-5404.)
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Contact your local Medicaid application center and ask for help.
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Call your local Medicaid office and ask for help.
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Use this online form to send them a question about any Medicaid program. They should reply to your email address.
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Call your local office of Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana. They are there to help people apply for insurance and know how to use it. They can help with Medicaid or other insurance plans. They do not work for the state or for any one insurance plan.
Click the link at the bottom of the page to download the phone list. (It will open in a new tab or appear in the bottom corner of your screen.)
Trouble with English?
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If you want to get help in your own language, you can do that!
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Call this number: 888-342-6207
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Tell them what language you need. They will get you help for free.
Sources: LDH, Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana
Learn more:
Click on these pages from the Louisiana Dept. of Health website. They will open in a new tab.
See the section about Medicaid in the menu on the left.
Sources: LDH, Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana