Medicaid in
Louisiana
Louisiana expanded Medicaid, so adults qualify for Healthy Louisiana at 138% of the federal poverty level — about $2,969 a month for a household of three, with or without children.
Who Qualifies for Healthy Louisiana in Louisiana?
Louisiana expanded Medicaid
Adults aged 19–64 in Louisiana qualify for Healthy Louisiana on income alone, at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, whether or not they have children and with no asset test for this group.
| Household Size | Monthly Limit | Annual Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,732 | $20,783 |
| 2 people | $2,351 | $28,207 |
| 3 people | $2,969 | $35,632 |
| 4 people | $3,588 | $43,056 |
| 5 people | $4,207 | $50,480 |
| 6 people | $4,825 | $57,905 |
| 7 people | $5,444 | $65,329 |
| 8 people | $6,063 | $72,754 |
Limits shown at 138% of the federal poverty level for Louisiana — the level a parent or caretaker adult is measured against. Source: state Medicaid eligibility levels as most recently published (2024); states may revise them. Children, pregnant women and people who are 65+, blind or disabled use different and generally higher limits.
Eligibility Requirements
Here's what you need to qualify for Medicaid in Louisiana.
Income Limit
$2,969/mo for a household of three (138% FPL)
Adults Without Children
Covered in Louisiana up to 138% of the federal poverty level
Citizenship
U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or qualified non-citizen
Non-expansion states limit adults to ~100% FPL.
Required Documents
Have these ready before you start your Medicaid application.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for Medicaid in Louisiana.
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents listed above before starting.
Submit your application
Apply online through LA CAFE, or by phone at 888-524-3578. Louisiana Department of Health handles Louisiana applications.
Wait for processing
Processing takes 15–45 days. Keep copies of everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Louisiana in 2026?
Louisiana expanded Medicaid, so an adult under 65 qualifies for Healthy Louisiana with monthly income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level: about $1,732 a month for one person, $2,969 for a household of three and $3,588 for four — $20,783 and $35,632 a year respectively. Children, pregnant women and people who are 65+, blind or disabled are measured against different and generally higher limits.
Can I get Medicaid in Louisiana if I have no children?
Yes. Because Louisiana expanded Medicaid, adults aged 19–64 with no children qualify for Healthy Louisiana on income alone, at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. You do not need to be disabled, pregnant or a parent.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Louisiana?
Apply for Healthy Louisiana online through LA CAFE at ldh.la.gov/medicaid, run by the Louisiana Department of Health, or by phone at 888-524-3578. Medicaid has no open-enrolment window — you can apply any day of the year, and coverage can be backdated up to three months if you were eligible then.
How long does Louisiana take to approve Medicaid?
15–45 days is the normal range. Federal rules give Louisiana 45 days to decide most applications and 90 days when a disability determination is required. Coverage, once granted, is generally backdated to the first day of the month you applied.
What if I earn too much for Medicaid in Louisiana?
Children are covered at much higher incomes than adults everywhere — Louisiana covers children through Medicaid and CHIP well above the adult limit, so apply for them separately even if you are denied. Pregnancy coverage also uses a higher limit. Above those, a Marketplace plan with a premium tax credit is the next step, and people who are 65+ or on Medicare should check the Medicare Savings Programs instead.
Medicaid in Other States
Whether a state expanded Medicaid changes the adult income limit from 138% of poverty to as little as 15%.