Healthy Louisiana (Louisiana Medicaid) & LaCHIP
Last updated August 2026
Louisiana Medicaid is real coverage for low-income adults, because Louisiana expanded Medicaid in July 2016. Medicaid Expansion is full coverage for adults 19 through 64 who are not on Medicare, covering doctor visits, lab work, and hospital care. Apply any time, coverage is open year-round with no deadline, and the Medicaid help line is 1-888-342-6207, weekdays 8 to 4:30.
The adult income limit is about 138 percent of poverty. Effective March 2026 that is $1,836 a month for one person, $2,489 for two, $3,142 for three, $3,795 for four, $4,449 for five. A single adult without children can qualify on income alone, which is not true in many neighboring states.
Pregnancy and children reach higher. Pregnant women qualify under LaMOMS at higher limits, counting the unborn child in family size, and children get higher allowances through LaCHIP, starting at $2,887 a month for a one-person size, with a LaCHIP Affordable Plan for slightly higher incomes. So a family over the adult line should still apply for the kids.
Most members get care through a Healthy Louisiana managed care plan. New members choose a plan with the myPlan comparison tool at myplan.healthy.la.gov; if you do not pick one, the state assigns you a plan, which you can usually change.
Applying is simple and always open. Use the Medicaid Self-Service Portal online to apply or find out if you qualify, and renew when you get a renewal letter. Keep your address current so that letter reaches you.
Expansion coverage helps pay for prescriptions, though there may be a small copay. While an application processes, 2-1-1 can point you to community health centers, and the same low income often qualifies the household for SNAP through the LA CAFE portal.
Phone 1-888-342-6207
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Louisiana residents who meet the income rules for their group; expansion covers adults 19 to 64 with income up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level
- Children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities each have their own pathway, so apply even if you were denied before
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply any time through the Medicaid Self-Service Portal, or call 1-888-342-6207.
- 2
Have proof of identity, income, and Louisiana residency ready.
- 3
If approved, choose a Healthy Louisiana plan with the myPlan tool, or one is assigned.
- 4
Watch your mail for a renewal letter and renew on time.
What to have ready
- Photo ID and Social Security numbers for those applying
- Proof of income and Louisiana residency
- Immigration or citizenship documents where they apply.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who qualifies for Louisiana Medicaid?
Adults 19 to 64 with income up to about 138 percent of poverty ($1,836 a month for one person from March 2026), plus pregnant women and children at higher limits.
Can a single adult without children qualify?
Yes. Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016, so adults 19 to 64 qualify on income alone up to the expansion limit.
What about my kids?
Children qualify at higher incomes through LaCHIP, starting at $2,887 a month for a one-person size, with a LaCHIP Affordable Plan for slightly higher incomes. Apply for them even if you are over the adult line.
How do I apply?
Any time through the Medicaid Self-Service Portal online, or call 1-888-342-6207. Enrollment is open year-round.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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