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Don't let your family go without health coverage

Date: 03/31/20

The COVID-19 virus is affecting families and individuals across the state. If you are among those who have lost your job, or if your work hours have been reduced, you may be eligible for Medicaid.

Medicaid helps over a million Louisianans take care of their health. Read on for answers to some common questions about Medicaid and how to apply.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID?

Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016, so more people than ever are eligible. You may qualify for Medicaid if you:

  • Are age 19-64 and make less than 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $17,616 for a single person living alone, or about $36,156 for a family of four). See the full chart.
  • Are pregnant
  • Are younger than 19
  • Have low income and are a parent of a child/children younger than 19
  • Receive Supplemental Security Income
  • Get financial help from the Department of Children and Family Services
  • Are disabled according to the Social Security Administration’s definition
  • Have corrected vision no better than 20/200
  • Have no insurance and need treatment for breast and/or cervical cancer

Even if you’re not sure if you are eligible, you should still apply. Someone will review your application and see if you qualify. And remember: your Medicaid eligibility can change. You may want to submit a new Medicaid application even if your application was denied in the past.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED?

Before you apply for Medicaid, be sure to have these documents ready:

  • Social Security Numbers (or document numbers for any legal immigrants)
  • Employer and income information for everyone in your family (for example, paystubs, W-2 forms, or wage and tax statements)
  • Policy numbers for any current health insurance
  • Information about any job-related health insurance available to your family

HOW DO I APPLY?

Applying is easy. You can:

  • Apply online at www.MyMedicaid.la.gov
  • Apply by phone at 1-888-342-6207
  • Print and mail a completed application to Louisiana Medicaid, P.O. Box 91283, Baton Rouge, LA 70821

I APPLIED – NOW WHAT DO I DO?

The Louisiana Department of Health will review your application to see if you are eligible. You will usually be notified within 45 days of applying. If you are applying for Medicaid because of a disability, it may take longer – up to 90 days. Once they have made a decision, they will mail a letter to the address you put on your application.

  • If you are not eligible for Medicaid
    If you disagree, you have the right to ask for a Fair Hearing. To request a Fair Heating, call or write to your local Medicaid office. You may also write directly to Louisiana Department of Health, Bureau of Appeals at P.O. Box 4183, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4183.
  • If you are eligible for Medicaid
    You will get a welcome packet from your health plan within 10 days. The welcome packet will include your member ID card. It will also have info about your benefits, health programs and incentive programs. Within a couple of weeks, your health plan will call to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.