Written & Reviewed by Akash Biswas, MSW | Former Medicaid Caseworker Trainer | Verified against Louisiana Department of Health and Medicaid.gov guidelines | Last Updated: April 2026
In 2026, most adults in Louisiana qualify for Medicaid (Healthy Louisiana) if their income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) — that is $1,836/month for a single person.
Income limits are higher for children, pregnant women, and seniors in long-term care.
This guide covers every Medicaid program in Louisiana, with income limit tables, eligibility categories, and step-by-step instructions to apply.
Quick Summary:
- ✅ Louisiana expanded Medicaid under the ACA — most adults ages 19–64 can qualify
- ✅ Children may qualify up to 217% FPL through LaCHIP
- ✅ Pregnant women are covered through the LaMOMS program
- ✅ Seniors and people with disabilities have separate long-term care pathways
- ✅ No asset test for expansion adults
- ✅ Use our Louisiana Medicaid Eligibility Calculator to check your eligibility in minutes
What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a free or low-cost health insurance program funded by the federal government and each state. In Louisiana, the program is called Healthy Louisiana, and it is managed by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH).
It pays for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health care, and much more.
Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This opened the door for hundreds of thousands of low-income adults to get coverage. If your income is low, there is a good chance you qualify — even if you work.
Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Louisiana 2026?
Louisiana Medicaid covers several groups of people. Each group has its own income limit and program name.
To better understand all the ways you may qualify, see our full guide on Louisiana Medicaid eligibility in 2026.
Expansion Adults (Ages 19–64)
Non-elderly adults who do not have Medicare may qualify if their income is at or below 138% FPL. There is no asset test and no premium. This covers working adults, unemployed adults, and people between jobs.
Children (Ages 0–18)
Children can qualify under LaCHIP at up to 217% FPL. Children from slightly higher-income families may qualify for the LaCHIP Affordable Plan (LAP), which has a small monthly premium.
Pregnant Women
The LaMOMS program covers pregnant women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The unborn child counts as a household member, so a pregnant woman is counted as a household of at least 2.
Seniors and People with Disabilities
Adults age 65 and older, or those who are blind or disabled, may qualify under Aged, Blind & Disabled (ABD) Medicaid or long-term care Medicaid. These programs have stricter income and asset rules.
Workers with Disabilities
The Medicaid Purchase Plan (MPP) helps workers with disabilities who earn too much for regular Medicaid. They can “buy in” to coverage through this program.
Louisiana Medicaid Income Limits 2026
All income limits below are effective March 1, 2026, and are based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). Income is compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
To see how Louisiana compares to other states, visit our full guide on Medicaid income limits by state in 2026.
Expansion Adults (138% FPL) — Monthly Limits
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,836 | ~$22,032 |
| 2 | $2,489 | ~$29,868 |
| 3 | $3,142 | ~$37,704 |
| 4 | $3,795 | ~$45,540 |
| 5 | $4,449 | ~$53,388 |
| 6 | $5,102 | ~$61,224 |
| 7 | $5,755 | ~$69,060 |
| 8 | $6,408 | ~$76,896 |
Source: Louisiana Department of Health, effective March 1, 2026
LaCHIP — Children’s Medicaid (217% FPL) — Monthly Limits
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,887 |
| 2 | $3,914 |
| 3 | $4,941 |
| 4 | $5,968 |
| 5 | $6,995 |
| 6 | $8,022 |
| 7 | $9,049 |
| 8 | $10,077 |
LaCHIP Affordable Plan (LAP) — Monthly Limits
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,392 |
| 2 | $4,599 |
| 3 | $5,806 |
| 4 | $7,013 |
| 5 | $8,220 |
| 6 | $9,427 |
| 7 | $10,634 |
| 8 | $11,841 |
LaMOMS — Pregnant Women — Monthly Limits
(Minimum household size is 2)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 2 | $2,489 |
| 3 | $3,142 |
| 4 | $3,795 |
| 5 | $4,449 |
| 6 | $5,102 |
| 7 | $5,755 |
| 8 | $6,408 |
Family Opportunity Act (FOA) — Children with Disabilities — Monthly Limits
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,990 |
| 2 | $5,410 |
| 3 | $6,830 |
| 4 | $8,250 |
| 5 | $9,670 |
| 6 | $11,090 |
| 7 | $12,510 |
| 8 | $13,930 |
Long-Term Care Medicaid — Seniors & People with Disabilities
Long-term care Medicaid has both income limits and asset limits. Louisiana is an income cap state — that means hard income limits apply.
| Program | Single — Income | Single — Assets | Married (One Applying) — Income | Community Spouse Asset Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Home / Institutional | $2,982/mo | $2,000 | $2,982/mo | $162,660 |
| HCBS Waivers | $2,982/mo | $2,000 | $2,982/mo | $162,660 |
| ABD Medicaid | $994/mo | $2,000 | $1,491/mo | N/A |
Key note: Nursing home enrollees keep only $45/month for personal needs. The non-applicant spouse may keep up to $4,066.50/month in income (MMNA).
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) — 2026
| Program | Coverage | Monthly Limit (1 Person) | Monthly Limit (2 People) |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | Premiums, copays & deductibles | $1,330 | $1,804 |
| SLMB | Part B premiums only | $1,796 | $2,435 |
Asset limits: $9,950 for individuals; $14,910 for couples. Confirm figures with LDH at 1-888-342-6207.
What Does Medicaid Cover in Louisiana?
Healthy Louisiana covers a wide range of health services at little or no cost. Most enrollees pay nothing for covered services. Here is what your coverage includes:
- Doctor visits — primary care and specialist appointments
- Hospital care — inpatient and outpatient services
- Prescription drugs — through your managed care plan’s formulary
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Dental and vision — for children; limited for adults
- Pregnancy care — prenatal visits, labor, and postpartum care
- Long-term care — nursing home and home-based waiver services
- Preventive care — screenings, vaccines, and annual checkups
Coverage is delivered through managed care organizations (MCOs) — health plans that contract with the state. As of April 1, 2026, UnitedHealthcare no longer serves Louisiana Medicaid members. Affected members were moved to a new plan with no loss of eligibility. For information on what services are billed and reimbursed under your plan, refer to the Medicaid Fee Schedule 2026.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Louisiana
Applying is free and takes about 20–30 minutes. You can apply online, by phone, or in person. Louisiana uses MAGI-based income rules for most programs, so most applicants do not need to submit asset documentation.
- Go online — Visit the Louisiana Medicaid Self-Service Portal at louisiana.gov/medicaid
- Gather your documents — You will need proof of identity, residency, income (pay stubs, tax returns), and Social Security numbers for all household members
- Complete your application — Answer all questions honestly; your household size and income will determine your program
- Submit and wait — Most applications are processed within 45 days (90 days if disability is involved)
- Receive your decision — You will get a letter by mail. If approved, your Medicaid card and plan information will follow
Call for help: Louisiana Medicaid Customer Service at 1-888-342-6207
Visit in person: Contact your regional Medicaid office or Medicaid Application Center
What Happens After You Apply?
After you submit your application, LDH will review your income, household size, and eligibility category. You may be asked to provide additional documents — respond quickly to avoid delays. If approved, coverage may begin on the first day of the month you applied.
Enrollment Period & Plan Selection
You will choose a Medicaid managed care health plan. As of March 1, 2026, members can switch plans at any time for any reason — up to two changes per year — through December 31, 2026.
Renewal
Louisiana Medicaid renews annually. You must report changes in income, household size, or address. If your income goes up, you may no longer qualify — but you may be eligible for a subsidized plan on the ACA Marketplace.
If You Are Denied
You have the right to appeal. The denial letter will explain how to request a fair hearing. A local legal aid organization or social worker can help you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are Louisiana Medicaid income limits in 2026?
✅ Answer: Louisiana Medicaid income limits in 2026 vary by program and household size, with expansion adults qualifying up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($1,836/month for one person effective March 1). Children via LaCHIP go up to 217% FPL ($2,887/month for one), while pregnant women match expansion limits starting at $2,489 for two. Long-term care caps at $2,982/month for singles. Check the official LDH table for your household size and apply online at louisiana.gov/medicaid.
Question: What is the income limit for Medicaid expansion in Louisiana 2026?
✅ Answer: The income limit for Medicaid expansion in Louisiana 2026 is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, or $1,836 per month for a single adult, $2,489 for two people, and $3,142 for three, effective March 1. This covers non-elderly adults 19-64 without Medicare using Modified Adjusted Gross Income. No asset test applies, so verify your MAGI and apply via the state portal to confirm eligibility.
Question: What are the 2026 Medicaid income limits for children in Louisiana?
✅ Answer: In 2026, Louisiana Medicaid income limits for children under LaCHIP are 217% FPL, equaling $2,887 monthly for a household of one, $3,914 for two, and up to $10,077 for eight, effective March 1. The LaCHIP Affordable Plan extends to 255% FPL with small premiums. Use the LDH eligibility tool to screen your family and enroll before open periods end.
Question: What is the Medicaid income limit for pregnant women in Louisiana 2026?
✅ Answer: The Medicaid income limit for pregnant women in Louisiana 2026 under LaMOMS is 138% FPL, or $2,489 monthly for a household of two (woman plus unborn child), $3,142 for three, and $6,408 for eight, effective March 1. Coverage extends postpartum. Pregnant applicants should submit proof of pregnancy and apply immediately through 1-888-342-6207.
Question: What are Louisiana Medicaid income limits for seniors in 2026?
✅ Answer: Louisiana Medicaid income limits for seniors 65+ in 2026 are $2,982 monthly for nursing home or HCBS waiver care (single applicant), $994 for regular ABD Medicaid, and $1,330 for QMB Medicare Savings. Assets cap at $2,000 for singles. Plan ahead with a Medicaid planner if over the limit to explore spousal protections up to $162,660.
Question: Do you qualify for Medicaid in Louisiana if you make $2,000 a month in 2026?
✅ Answer: Yes, if you’re a single adult, you likely qualify for Louisiana Medicaid expansion in 2026 since the limit is $1,836 monthly at 138% FPL—$2,000 exceeds it slightly but stays under children’s or pregnant limits. Household size matters; a couple at $2,000 falls well below $2,489. Use the official LDH screener at louisiana.gov/medicaid to input your exact MAGI.
Question: How much do you have to make to get Medicaid in Louisiana 2026?
✅ Answer: To get Medicaid in Louisiana 2026, your household income must stay under program-specific limits like 138% FPL ($1,836/month single adult) for expansion or 217% ($2,887 single household) for kids. Seniors face $2,982 for long-term care. It’s based on MAGI for most; run a quick eligibility check on the state site to see your exact threshold.
Question: What are the asset limits for Louisiana Medicaid 2026?
✅ Answer: Louisiana Medicaid asset limits in 2026 are $2,000 for a single applicant in most programs like ABD or long-term care, $3,000 for couples, with no asset test for MAGI groups like expansion adults. Home equity caps at $752,000, and community spouses get $162,660 protection. Exemptions include your home and one car—consult LDH for countable assets.
Question: Does Louisiana Medicaid have a spend down in 2026?
✅ Answer: Yes, Louisiana Medicaid offers a 2026 spend-down program for medically needy applicants, where you deduct medical bills from income to meet low thresholds like $100/month urban individual. It’s calculated over three months with $2,000 asset cap. Track your expenses and submit bills during application to qualify if slightly over standard limits.
Question: How do I apply for Louisiana Medicaid with 2026 income limits?
✅ Answer: Apply for Louisiana Medicaid using 2026 income limits online at louisiana.gov/medicaid, by phone at 1-888-342-6207, or at a local office with ID, income proof, and household details. Screening tools show limits instantly; approval takes 45 days max. Gather recent paystubs and start now to avoid coverage gaps.
Sources & Disclaimer
Sources:
- Louisiana Department of Health — Medicaid Partners Income Limits: ldh.la.gov/medicaid/Medicaid-Partners
- Medicaid.gov — Federal Medicaid guidelines: medicaid.gov
- HHS ASPE — 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines: aspe.hhs.gov
Last Updated: April 2026
Disclaimer: CheckMedicaid.com is not affiliated with any government agency. This content is for educational purposes only. For official eligibility determinations, contact the Louisiana Department of Health at 1-888-342-6207 or visit Medicaid.gov.
