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Today, nearly 91% of Louisianans have health insurance. Multiple options are available through your employer, the Health Insurance Marketplace, direct from insurers, or government-sponsored programs like Healthy Louisiana.

This guide explains your Louisiana health insurance options in detail.

What to know about insurance in Louisiana

  • Marketplace plans: You can choose from on-exchange plans sold on the Health Insurance Marketplace and off-exchange plans offered directly from insurers and independent brokers. All plans must offer 10 essential health care benefits required by the Affordable Care Act. Enrollment is guaranteed regardless of preexisting conditions, and your health history can’t determine rates.
  • Open Enrollment: Whether you’re shopping for affordable health insurance on or off the exchange, you’ll have to wait until open enrollment to purchase or change coverage. This period typically runs from November 1 through January 15, with benefits starting on January 1.
  • Special Enrollment: You may also qualify for a special enrollment period based on life circumstances, such as moving, losing coverage, having a baby, or getting married. If you earn up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, you can qualify for reduced premiums on the Health Insurance Marketplace.
  • Medicaid and CHIP enrollment: You can enroll at any time if you qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
  • Health Insurance Marketplace: Louisiana uses the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. If you want an Advanced Premium Tax Credit to help cover your costs, you’ll have to use the exchange to purchase a plan.
  • Premium tax credit: You can purchase coverage directly from one of Louisiana’s health insurance companies if you don’t qualify for an Advanced Premium Tax Credit or don’t want to take the credit.
  • Coverage types: More than 90% of Louisiana’s 6 million residents have health insurance. Less than 9% of the population is uninsured. Employer-sponsored plans are the most common source of coverage, representing 40% of the state’s insured. Medicare and Medicaid, including the Children’s Health Insurance Program, cover an additional 43%.

How do I enroll in the Louisiana health insurance marketplace?

Visiting the marketplace at Healthcare.gov is the easiest way to compare Louisiana’s cheap health insurance plans and estimated costs. The service also determines if you qualify for Medicaid or tax credits that can reduce your monthly premiums. To see available plans, enter your zip code, and provide information about your household, including:

  • Details about dependents and family members
  • Expected gross annual income, including unemployment
  • Dependents claimed for tax purposes
  • Existing insurance coverage or eligibility

Once you have provided this information, the site will determine if you or your dependents are eligible for premium tax credits. If you earn less than 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify for free health insurance through Medicaid. If you meet this threshold, the marketplace will direct you to the state’s Medicaid agency to complete your application. Otherwise, you can start comparing plans. Prices will reflect any applicable tax credits, which can reduce monthly premiums to $0.

The marketplace makes it easy to compare plans at a glance by providing information about deductibles, copays or coinsurance rates, and out-of-pocket maximums. In addition, you’ll see a breakdown of costs for standard services, such as primary and specialty medical care and emergency room visits. For a complete picture, consider adding information about medications and preferred health care providers to check network coverage. Once you have confirmed your selection, you can sign up for a health insurance plan and select a start date.

The following companies offer health insurance in Louisiana in the marketplace:

  • Aetna Better Health
  • Amerihealth Caritas Louisiana
  • Healthy Blue
  • Louisiana Healthcare Connections
  • UnitedHealthcare Community

How do I enroll in Louisiana individual and family insurance?

The Health Insurance Marketplace isn’t the only way to enroll in coverage. You can also work with an independent broker, go through a comparison-shopping website, or contact insurance companies online or over the phone. However, once you leave the Marketplace, you won’t have access to the tax credits it provides. In addition to ACA-compliant health insurance plans, short-term health insurance plans and programs like the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) let you extend existing health coverage for up to 18 months after leaving a job by paying 102% of the entire cost.

Insurance for individuals in Louisiana

Individual health insurance plans offer the most flexibility for Louisiana residents. These plans let you balance your budget and current needs depending on whether you’re seeking a basic low-cost plan or have a chronic medical condition and need lower out-of-pocket costs.

Health insurance premiums can be based on your age, county of residence, tobacco use, and coverage tier. Louisiana allows insurance companies to charge older beneficiaries up to three times as much for the same plan. Tobacco users may have to pay up to 50% more for premiums, and prices vary in Louisiana’s eight geographic rate determination zones. However, insurance companies cannot charge you more based on your medical history or gender. In addition, you cannot be denied coverage due to preexisting medical conditions.

The type of plan you choose is also an important consideration.

  • Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans typically cost less than other health coverage types and have some restrictions that can affect your ability to access care. For example, you may have to ask for a referral to see a specialist and your network is local.
  • Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) don’t require referrals and usually offer nationwide coverage but cost more than HMO plans. Most PPOs also have out-of-network benefits.

Point-of-Service (POS) plans combine the features of an HMO with the features of a PPO. You have to ask for a referral to see a specialist, but you can get care from out-of-network providers if you’re willing to pay a larger percentage of the cost.

Insurance for families in Louisiana

Family plans cover more than one person, potentially even including exes, step-children, and domestic partners as well as dependents. Although slightly less flexible than individual plans, family plans offer a competitive value. Some insurers cap premiums after the first three children, which can provide substantial savings. Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums are typically double for family plans regardless of the number of people insured.

Time savings is another advantage since there’s no need to spend hours shopping for the right plan for each member of your household. Claims and billing statements are also streamlined. In addition, you don’t have to wonder which family member is covered by which network since everyone has access to the same providers.

How much does health insurance cost in Louisiana?

The Affordable Care Act aims to ensure that all Louisianans have access to reasonably priced, comprehensive health insurance that costs no more than 10% of your total income. When shopping for insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace, plans are divided into four metallic tiers – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Bronze plans average around $408, slightly down from 2021. Silver plans increased by $10 from $502 to $512, and Gold plans decreased by $5 to reach the current cost of $609.

Average premiums in Louisiana 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Most affordable Bronze plan $367 $341 $376 $410 $408
Most affordable Silver plan $445 $419 $467 $502 $512
Most affordable Gold plan $550 $523 $571 $614 $609

  • Bronze plans have the lowest monthly premiums. In exchange for a low premium, you’ll have a high annual deductible. You’ll also have to pay 40% coinsurance every time you receive medical services. A Bronze plan is typically the best option if you don’t have any chronic health conditions and want coverage for emergencies. In 2022, the most affordable Bronze plan in Louisiana costs $408 per month.
  • Silver plans have higher premiums than Bronze plans but also have lower deductibles and coinsurance requirements. Silver plan members pay 30% coinsurance for each service. In 2022, the most affordable Silver plan in Louisiana costs $512 per month.
  • Gold and platinum plans have the highest monthly premiums but also have lower deductibles and insurance requirements. With a Gold plan, you’ll pay 20% of the cost of each service you receive; the coinsurance requirement dips to 10% if you have a Platinum plan. These plans are ideal if someone in your family has a chronic condition that requires regular medical care. In 2022, the most affordable gold plan in Louisiana costs $609 per month.

Can you get cheap health insurance in Louisiana?

With monthly premiums averaging around $541 per month, affordable health insurance seems out of reach for many Louisianans. If you have low income or substantial medical needs, you may qualify for Medicaid, covering parents with low income, expectant mothers, and uninsured women with breast or cervical cancer.

Tax credits are available if you earn up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Limit, making marketplace plans available for as little as $50 per month. Low- and moderate-income seniors may qualify for Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help Benefits to pay for deductibles, copays or coinsurance, and prescription drug coverage.

Medicaid in Louisiana

Medicaid covers 1.7 million adults and children in Louisiana, about 28% of the total population. Louisiana is a Medicaid expansion state, meaning no-cost coverage for needy citizens, including pregnant women, low-income parents, and childless adults who earn less than 138% of the Federal Poverty Limit based on household size. In addition, Healthy Louisiana is available if you:

  • Are aged 19 to 64
  • Are U.S. citizens and legal Louisiana residents
  • Don’t qualify for Medicare or have existing Medicaid benefits
  • Earn less than 138% of the FPL, or $1,482 per month for a single person in 2021 or currently receive Supplemental Security Income

Medicaid income limits in Louisiana

  • $1,482 per month for individuals
  • $2,004 per month for couples
  • $2,526 per month for a three-person household
  • $3,048 per month for a family of four
  • $522 for each additional household member

In Louisiana, regular Medicaid benefits are provided by insurers that operate managed care organizations. Companies offer the same medical and dental services plus a varied selection of extras. There are five MCOs in the state, including:

  • Aetna Better Health of Louisiana
  • AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana
  • Healthy Blue
  • Louisiana Healthcare Connections
  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

LaHIPP is a program to help if you qualify for Medicaid but have access to employer-sponsored health insurance.

LaMOMS provides no-cost insurance to uninsured women for the duration of their pregnancy and up to 60 days following the delivery. It covers doctor’s visits, hospital care, labs, prescriptions, and obstetric services.

LaCHIP is available to children under 19 who don’t have affordable health insurance and are part of a household with low income. Subsidized LaCHIP Affordable Plans are available to families with higher income levels.

Long-Term Care Medicaid in Louisiana

Medicaid Long-Term Care is available if you require a nursing home level of care and intend to remain a licensed facility for at least 30 consecutive days. To qualify for this program, you must be at least one of the following:

  • Pregnant
  • Under 19 or over 64
  • Blind or permanently disabled

Income for Medicaid long-term care is limited to 300% of the Supplemental Security Income rate, which is $2,382 per month for 2021, with capped assets of $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for married couples living in the same facility. If only one spouse requires care, the nonapplicant can retain up to $130,380 in assets. A variety of items are excluded from these calculations, such as a home and vehicle. In addition, this program offers various home- and community-based services through waivers.

Applying for Medicaid in Louisiana

You can apply for Medicaid online, phone, in-person, or on the Health Insurance Marketplace. For more information, call the Medicaid hotline at 888-342-6207 or visit Healthy.LA.gov. Applications are also processed at more than 200 Medicaid Application Centers.

What are Louisiana's Medicare options for seniors and people with disabilities?

Medicare is an affordable health insurance program for older citizens and some disabled adults. Most U.S. citizens who are Louisianans aged 65 or older qualify for Medicare. You have options with Medicare choices:

  • The most basic option is Original Medicare, consisting of Part A (inpatient care) and Part B (preventive care and outpatient medical services). Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescriptions, but supplemental plans are available to help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. These supplemental prescription plans are known as Medicare Part D.
  • Louisiana also has the Medicare Advantage program, which gives eligible residents access to various Medicare plans sold by private insurers. Many of these plans include prescription coverage and may cover extras like gym memberships and transportation to medical appointments, giving you more coverage than Original Medicare.

It can be challenging to afford premiums, copays, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs, even with Medicare coverage. Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, also known as Medigap, make your Medicare coverage more affordable by covering many of these expenses.

Eligibility

To enroll in Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. First, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You must also be at least 65 years old or have a disability that causes you to receive SSDI benefits for at least 24 months. You may also qualify for Medicare at a younger age if you have end-stage renal disease.

Enrollment

If you start receiving your Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits at least four months before you turn 65, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare. Otherwise, you must fill out an application online or contact your local Social Security office. You can enroll in Medicare during the following periods:

  • Initial enrollment: Your initial enrollment period starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your 65th birthday. If you’ve never had Medicare, you can enroll during this period. If you started receiving Medicare when you were younger, you can also make changes to your plan.
  • General enrollment: Choose this enrollment period if you missed your initial enrollment period. The Medicare general enrollment period is January 1 to March 31. You can choose Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, or Part D.
  • Medicare Advantage open enrollment: You can make changes to your Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, from January 1 to March 31.
  • Open enrollment: You can join, switch plans, or drop your coverage from October 15 to December 7 each year.
  • Special enrollment periods: You may qualify for a special enrollment period if you lose your coverage or have changes to your eligibility outside the regular enrollment periods.

Medicare Resources

The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) provides general information about Medicare and the  Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) for Louisiana residents. There is also a contact number for people who have questions or need assistance.

Are there short-term health insurance plan options in Louisiana?

Insurance companies in Louisiana offer short-term policies for one to 36 months. Coverage may be limited to six months, depending on how much information the carrier requests about preexisting conditions. Coverage terms vary significantly depending on the plan. Deductibles range from $2,500 to $15,000 with 50% to 80% coinsurance.

Short-term plans provide peace of mind and financial protection if you face a coverage gap, such as retiring before you qualify for Medicare, when you’re between jobs, losing a parent’s coverage, or dealing with other life changes that affect your insurance coverage.

You can enroll in short-term coverage at any time, and coverage can begin as soon as the next day, which is helpful if you need insurance before the next open enrollment cycle.

Since the Affordable Care Act does not regulate short-term health insurance, you may be asked about your health status, weight, tobacco use, and whether you received treatment for any chronic health conditions in the past one to five years. Contact a qualified insurance agent for more information about these plans or consult the Louisiana Department of Insurance Office of Consumer Services.

Louisiana Insurance FAQs

Does Louisiana require health insurance?

No, Louisiana does not require residents purchase private health insurance. Congress repealed individual tax penalties for being uninsured in 2019. However, the Affordable Care Act does require companies with more than 50 workers to provide health insurance or pay penalties.

Do I have to use the Health Insurance Marketplace in Louisiana?

If you want to purchase subsidized health insurance using premium tax credits, you’ll need to use the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. You can also buy ACA-compliant coverage and alternative health plans directly from insurance companies or independent insurance agents.

What types of alternative health insurance plans are available in Louisiana?

The most popular form of cost-sharing plans are faith-based plans. In a faith-based plan, members share health care costs with other members. You don’t need to be a member of a particular denomination (or even religious), to participate in a plan. While these plans can be relatively low-cost, most faith-based plans don’t conform to Affordable Care Act standards and don’t cover pre-existing conditions, mental health care, or pregnancy.

Do I need health insurance if I have HSA/FSA?

Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts are designed to help with out-of-pocket medical expenses. FSAs are offered as part of employer-sponsored benefits plans and are funded with pretax funds. HSAs are only available if you have a high-deductible health plan.

Do I need short-term disability coverage in Louisiana if I have health insurance?

Short-term disability coverage and health insurance provide very different benefits. However, even if you have health insurance, you may want short-term disability coverage to ensure your family has enough money to pay for essentials if you’re unable to work for three to 12 months following a disabling event.

Do I need long-term disability coverage in Louisiana if I have health insurance?

Long-term disability insurance provides valuable financial benefits to replace your income if you cannot work for several years. These funds are for housing, utilities, food, education expenses, and medical care. Although disability insurance includes some medical services to facilitate the claims process, you still need health insurance to pay for preventive medical care or services related to the qualifying injury or illness.

What does Healthy Louisiana cover?

Healthy Louisiana covers various medical services, including doctor’s visits, emergency medical care, home health, X-rays, prescription medications, chemotherapy, and durable medical equipment. You may also qualify for needs-based programs that pay for nursing home care, community-based waiver services, and prenatal support.

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Tammy Burns
Insurance and health care consultant

Tammy Burns is an experienced health insurance advisor. She earned her nursing degree in 1990 from Jacksonville State University, obtained her insurance billing and coding certification in 1995, and holds a health and life insurance license in Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Burns is Affordable Care Act (ACA)-certified for health insurance and other ancillary, life, and annuity products. She maintains an active nursing license and practices private-duty nursing.

Burns’ background as a nurse, insurance biller and coder, and insurance consultant includes infectious disease, oncology, gynecology, phlebotomy, post operative, family medicine, geriatrics, home health, hospice, human resources, management, billing, coding, claims, fixed annuities, group and individual health and life products, and Medicare. She’s always been driven by a desire to help people, spending more than 25 years as a practicing nurse in hospitals, private doctors’ offices, home health, and hospice. As a nurse, Burns supported patients filing insurance claims with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies as well as responding to billing questions from confused patients.

Seeing firsthand how unsuspecting patients are frequently confused by an overly complex system they don’t understand led Burns to become an insurance agent and health care consultant, now helping people understand the medical system. Since becoming an insurance agent in 2013, she has worked with some of the largest and most reputable insurance carriers and agencies in the nation, and she has built a large and loyal clientele by way of her commitment to transparency and personalized service.

author-img
Tammy Burns
Insurance and health care consultant

Tammy Burns is an experienced health insurance advisor. She earned her nursing degree in 1990 from Jacksonville State University, obtained her insurance billing and coding certification in 1995, and holds a health and life insurance license in Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Burns is Affordable Care Act (ACA)-certified for health insurance and other ancillary, life, and annuity products. She maintains an active nursing license and practices private-duty nursing.

Burns’ background as a nurse, insurance biller and coder, and insurance consultant includes infectious disease, oncology, gynecology, phlebotomy, post operative, family medicine, geriatrics, home health, hospice, human resources, management, billing, coding, claims, fixed annuities, group and individual health and life products, and Medicare. She’s always been driven by a desire to help people, spending more than 25 years as a practicing nurse in hospitals, private doctors’ offices, home health, and hospice. As a nurse, Burns supported patients filing insurance claims with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies as well as responding to billing questions from confused patients.

Seeing firsthand how unsuspecting patients are frequently confused by an overly complex system they don’t understand led Burns to become an insurance agent and health care consultant, now helping people understand the medical system. Since becoming an insurance agent in 2013, she has worked with some of the largest and most reputable insurance carriers and agencies in the nation, and she has built a large and loyal clientele by way of her commitment to transparency and personalized service.

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