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Important Update Regarding Louisiana Healthcare Connections and Ochsner Health System

Date: 09/22/26

Louisiana Healthcare Connections and Ochsner Health System (Ochsner) are currently negotiating a new provider agreement. Ochsner remains in the Louisiana Healthcare Connections network today, and both organizations are working toward a new agreement before the current agreement expires on December 1, 2026.

If a new agreement is not reached before that date, many Ochsner-owned hospitals, facilities and employed providers would no longer participate in the Louisiana Healthcare Connections network beginning December 1, 2026.

As part of our efforts to prepare members for a potential network change, Louisiana Healthcare Connections has begun notifying members who have received care from an Ochsner provider within the past 18 months. These notices explain the current contract status, identify the Ochsner providers the member has seen and outline what could happen if an agreement is not reached. They also provide resources to help members avoid a disruption in care. This advance communication does not mean a final decision has been made; Ochsner remains in-network today while negotiations continue.

Our goal is to reach a new agreement and avoid disruption for members and the providers who care for them. At the same time, we believe our members deserve a provider partnership that reflects how healthcare is delivered today, not terms established about 15 years ago that no longer reflect advances in technology, care coordination, quality measurement and member expectations.

We recognize that providers may have questions about how a potential network change could affect their patients, referral patterns and clinical workflows. The following frequently asked questions provide additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Ochsner still in-network with Louisiana Healthcare Connections?
    Yes. Ochsner providers and facilities remain in the Louisiana Healthcare Connections network at this time. Louisiana Healthcare Connections and Ochsner are working toward a new agreement. If an agreement is reached before December 1, 2026, Ochsner will remain in-network. If an agreement is not reached, many Ochsner-owned hospitals, facilities and employed providers would leave our network beginning December 1, 2026.
  • What should I do if I regularly refer patients to Ochsner?
    Ochsner remains in-network today, and Louisiana Healthcare Connections members may continue receiving covered services from Ochsner providers and facilities while the current agreement remains in effect. As December 1 approaches, providers should be aware that referrals for services occurring on or after that date could be affected if a new agreement is not reached.
    Louisiana Healthcare Connections can help identify appropriate in-network alternatives when needed. Providers and members may use our Find a Provider tool or contact us for assistance at 1-866-595-8133 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • What happens if Louisiana Healthcare Connections and Ochsner DO reach a new agreement?
    If a new agreement is reached before December 1, 2026, Ochsner providers and facilities will remain in the Louisiana Healthcare Connections network. Members will be able to continue receiving covered services from Ochsner without a network-related interruption. We will communicate an agreement promptly to providers and members.
  • What happens if Louisiana Healthcare Connections and Ochsner DO NOT reach a new agreement?
    If an agreement is not reached, many Ochsner-owned hospitals, facilities and employed providers would no longer participate in the Louisiana Healthcare Connections network beginning December 1, 2026. Members receiving care from Ochsner would need to transition to an in-network provider unless they qualify for continuity-of-care protections or another applicable exception.
  • What happens to members who have an Ochsner primary care provider?
    If Ochsner leaves the network, affected members will need to select a new in-network primary care provider. Louisiana Healthcare Connections will communicate directly with impacted members and provide information about how to choose a new PCP. If an affected member does not select a new PCP, Louisiana Healthcare Connections may assign an in-network PCP to help ensure continued access to care.
  • What happens to members who are seeing an Ochsner specialist?
    If Ochsner leaves the network, members receiving specialty care from an Ochsner provider may need to transition to another in-network specialist. Louisiana Healthcare Connections can assist members and referring providers with identifying an appropriate in-network specialist.
  • What about members who are pregnant or receiving treatment for a serious health condition?
    Continuity-of-care protections may apply to certain members receiving ongoing treatment. For example, members in the second or third trimester of pregnancy who are receiving prenatal services from an Ochsner OB-GYN may be eligible to continue covered services with that provider for a period following delivery.
    Members receiving ongoing services such as chemotherapy or dialysis, or those with an upcoming surgery, transplant or other significant course of treatment, should contact us at 1-866-595-8133 (TTY: 711) so we can evaluate their circumstances and help prevent unnecessary disruption in care. Providers may also contact us when coordination is needed for an affected member.
  • What happens to existing prior authorizations for Ochsner services?
    Ochsner remains in-network today, and existing authorization and utilization management processes remain in effect. If Ochsner leaves the network, Louisiana Healthcare Connections will provide additional guidance regarding authorizations for services scheduled on or after December 1, 2026.
    Providers should not assume that an existing authorization alone guarantees coverage of non-emergency services from an out-of-network provider after a network termination. Please contact Louisiana Healthcare Connections at 1-866-595-8133 (TTY: 711) if you have questions about an authorized service.
  • How can I help a member find another in-network provider?
    Providers and members may use our Find a Provider tool or contact us for assistance at 1-866-595-8133 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Can members change Healthy Louisiana health plans if they want to continue receiving care from Ochsner?
    Members have options for changing Healthy Louisiana health plans. Members should contact Healthy Louisiana directly for information about their eligibility and plan-selection options.
    Members can:
  • Where can providers get updates?
    Louisiana Healthcare Connections will continue communicating with providers as negotiations progress. We will also share updates here on our website and on our Facebook page.
    For questions regarding a specific Louisiana Healthcare Connections member, please contact us at 1-866-595-8133 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.