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Healthy Louisiana is a Louisiana program that provides comprehensive healthcare services to state residents. It combines the affordability of federal and state healthcare programs like Medicaid and the Louisiana Children’s Health Insurance Program (LaCHIP) with the personalized services of private insurance to deliver quality healthcare services locally.
Residents of Louisiana who fall below a certain income bracket, use other state-provided services, or have disabilities qualify for Louisiana Medicaid. According to a publication by laillumintor.com, as of April 14, 2023, “42% of the state's population receive Medicaid benefits”.
If you don’t meet the income requirements to qualify for Healthy Louisiana or if you need to extend your coverage, purchasing additional insurance through a third-party insurance provider is a good option to fill any coverage gaps and ensure you have the care you need.
We will help you explore how extending your insurance with help from Insurdinary can optimize your coverage to include a more comprehensive range of benefits and services by way of private health insurance.
The Healthy Louisiana plan is a state- and federal-funded program that provides low-income Louisiana residents with comprehensive coverage from an affordable marketplace healthcare provider. Comprehensive healthcare coverage through Ambetter is available in 27 states, including Louisiana. The Healthy Louisiana Plan began in 2016, attracting 233,794 enrollees within its first month. Ambetter Health Insurance invites you to join this plan if you qualify so that you and your family can access care at every life stage.
Many residents would struggle to afford coverage or obtain the health services they need without this and other Louisiana Medicaid programs. The plans available through this program make insurance coverage more accessible for everyone.
Some other common questions people often ask about this plan include:
Like the average insurance card, a Healthy Louisiana card contains pertinent information about your identity, your chosen care plan, and Ambetter as your provider. When you go to a doctor’s appointment or otherwise seek medical assistance, you can present this card to the staff members. They will use this card to contact your insurer and learn more about your health coverage.
Applying for Healthy Louisiana can be done via three different application methods:
Applying online is straightforward, but in the unlikely event technological complications arise, you should visit your local office in person. Make sure you specify Ambetter as your provider when completing your application. Otherwise, the government programs involved will choose a provider for you.
An in-person application involves finding your parish on the Department of Health’s website. Clicking your parish will bring up a list of local application centers nearby. Choose the most conveniently located center and call to secure your application appointment. Not all centers accept walk-ins, so calling ahead is very important.
To mail your application, print out and complete all input fields on the paperwork. Then, create copies of all the necessary documents (i.e., social security card or valid identification). Mail these documents to the following address:
Medicaid Application OfficeYou may also apply for Ambetter coverage by phone and fax. Fill out the above-linked documents. Then, call 1-888-342-6207. The representatives assisting you may request that you fax any needed documents to the following number: 1-877-523-2987. Have your identification and application documents ready for a speedy application process.
Finally, you can quickly apply via the Louisiana Medicaid online portal. This method is often faster and more accessible for most people. You may use a computer or a handheld device.
How do you know whether you are eligible for a Healthy Louisiana plan through Ambetter? Although eligibility depends on the medical services you need, your eligibility generally depends on the following:
Obtaining a Healthy Louisiana card begins with completing and submitting an application online, in person, or over the phone.
Administrators will review your application once they receive it. A typical application is approved within approximately 45 days, whereas the approval process for applications based on disability may take around 90 days to complete. You will receive a letter from Healthy Louisiana confirming your choice of Ambetter as your provider, as well as a state-issued insurance card.
Once Ambetter receives confirmation of your approval, you will also receive an Ambetter membership I.D. card. You can take this card and your government-issued card to all health-related appointments. These cards will have your name, your insurance number, and other information that doctors use to bill Ambetter for your care.
Before your Healthy Louisiana membership card expires, you’ll receive a renewal notice letter in the mail. The letter reminds you to renew your coverage and provides the following details:
You must renew your coverage even if you change nothing about your income or other eligibility requirements.
What happens if your Healthy Louisiana card becomes damaged, lost, or misplaced? Simply call the helpline at 1-877-252-2447. When prompted, select the “Replace Medicaid Card” option from the menu. Then, input the requested information. You can also replace your card by logging into your online portal.
Ambetter Health offers marketplace insurance plans with extensive coverage options. Therefore, you can access various benefits regardless of your financial limitations. Explore what you can access through your Healthy Louisiana plan.
Dental services covered by Louisiana Medicaid protects your oral health in many ways. According to the ldh.la.gov website, effective January 1, 2021 “the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has contracted with DentaQuest and MCNA Dental to provide dental benefits for qualified Medicaid enrollees”. Included services are:
It’s important to note that Louisiana Medicaid and its dental partners will only cover the above up to certain amounts. For those who anticipate requiring more visits to the dentists, investing in private dental plans in Louisiana is advisable.
In addition to state-funded pharmacy services, you can access various prescription programs to ensure affordable access to necessary drugs your doctor prescribes. Some Louisiana programs include:
Some types of Healthy Louisiana coverage from Ambetter covers various extended healthcare services like the following:
Can you use your Healthy Louisiana coverage through Ambetter while traveling to different countries or out of state? If you travel outside of the United States, you will not receive assistance from any Medicaid program, including Healthy Louisiana. For this reason, if you are traveling outside of the USA for leisure, invest in proper travelers insurance.
However, you can use your Medicaid coverage in other states as long as your provider has in-network doctors in that state. By choosing Ambetter, you increase your national traveling options significantly since this provider operates nationwide.
Does the Healthy Louisiana plan cover college students? The answer depends on your situation and chosen living arrangements. If you are planning to attend an in-state college, you might qualify for the plan if:
Speak with an Ambetter agent about your student situation. Since Ambetter operates within 27 states, you might qualify for assistance regardless of your location.
How does the plan assist senior adults? If you are over the age of 60 or have other qualifying conditions, you can access the following advantages:
These resources make your senior years much easier and give you peace of mind that you have access to care as your needs change.
If you fall within a certain demographic, you may be eligible for healthcare service extensions. Ambetter proudly supports the veterans, military members, and American Indians through Healthy Louisiana.
Does your household include a child with a verifiable membership to a Native American or Alaskan tribe? If so, LaCHIP exempts your household from monthly premiums, which saves you at least $50 a month. You may need to provide tribal membership verification in addition to other I.D. documents during the application process.
Despite offering various resources, governmental programs can sometimes leave gaps in coverage for veterans or active military members when they need help the most. If you are a veteran or on active duty, you can access numerous resources through your coverage. These services include:
Although your Healthy Louisiana coverage through Ambetter offers comprehensive services, some limitations do apply. Your plan does not cover the following supplies and services:
If you wish to pursue these medical services, you must seek alternative ways to fund them, such as by purchasing additional coverage through a third-party insurance provider.
It is also important to note that Louisiana Medicaid does not cover the cost of funerals. While the state offers basic resources and very limited monetary benefits towards burial costs, what is available will most definitely not cover burial costs and services. It is always wise to ensure that in the event of your passing, your family is secured with comprehensive funeral insurance.
If you are looking for even more insurance coverage beyond what Louisiana Medicaid provides, such as life insurance, consider exploring your options. Visit our life insurance quote page to get personalized quotes and find a policy that suits your needs.
You might be confused about what Ambetter and other Louisiana Medicaid programs cover. Although eligible treatments, procedures, and medications may change from time to time, you and your primary care provider should focus on one specific aspect to determine if insurance will cover it: Is the treatment medically necessary to prolong and improve your overall health?
Medical necessity is the main differentiator as to whether your plan will cover your treatment. Fortunately, you can speak with an Ambetter, or related, representative to verify and confirm your needs. However, certain restrictions may apply depending on what the state deems a medical necessity under a particular circumstance.
Dispel some of the confusion by exploring the common health services listed below. If you want access to additional services, you may explore ways to extend your coverage.
| Dental | |
|---|---|
| X-Rays | Yes |
| Exams | Yes |
| Orthodontic services | Yes |
| Maxillofacial prosthetics for congenital abnormalities | Yes |
| Dentures | Yes |
| Disease and injury treatment | Yes |
| Endodontic services | Yes |
| Restorative services | Yes |
| Preventative services | Yes |
| Diagnoses | Yes |
| Vision | |
|---|---|
| Examinations | Yes |
| Diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions, such as cataracts and infections | Yes |
| Childhood vision correction | Yes |
| Authorized eyewear and contacts | Yes |
| Refraction error treatment | Yes |
| Surgery | |
|---|---|
| Maxillofacial surgery | Yes |
| Outpatient surgeries | Yes |
| Medically necessary surgeries | Yes |
| Emergency surgeries | Yes |
| Hospital | |
|---|---|
| Emergency room services with no limits | Yes |
| Inpatient hospital visits | Yes, for illness or injury treatments and procedures requiring an inpatient stay |
| Outpatient hospital visits | Yes, for diagnosis, outpatient surgeries, and rehabilitation |
| Sexual Health | |
|---|---|
| Contraceptive education | Yes |
| Voluntary sterilization | Yes |
| Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections | Yes |
| Screenings for and treatment of cervical cancer | Yes |
| Birth Control | Yes, access and prescriptions to various birth control methods, such as contraceptive pills or IUDs |
| HPV vaccines | Yes |
| Family planning services | Yes |
| Treatment and management of sexual and birth-related complications | Yes |
| Specialist Services | |
|---|---|
| Chemotherapy | Yes |
| Radiology | Yes |
| Audiological | Yes |
| Physical therapy | Yes |
| Occupational therapy | Yes |
| Speech and language therapy | Yes |
| Psychological therapy | Yes |
| Podiatry | Yes |
| Applied behavior analyst therapy | Yes |
While these lists cover many of the benefits you can access through your Healthy Louisiana plan, please note that coverage amounts may change and certain services may be added or removed before this publication has been updated. Learn more about what your plan offers.
Your diligence will help you make the right choice for you and your family. If you notice your plan doesn’t cover something you need, you can request further coverage recommendations from an Ambetter agent or pursue affordable extended insurance coverage through a third-party provider.
In some cases, state healthcare coverage through Ambetter won’t meet all of your medical or mental healthcare needs. Extending your Healthy Louisiana coverage with a supplemental plan from a third-party insurer ensures that you have comprehensive care that fills any coverage gaps.
Third-party or private health insurance providers help their policyholders avoid certain limitations of government-provided health benefits. However, many Louisianans who rely on Healthy Louisiana don’t seek supplemental options.
Benefits of private health insurance include:
While Medicaid is restrictive, it is also necessary for many people to receive basic healthcare. Once you’ve enrolled in Healthy Louisiana coverage, you can choose a private insurance company as your supplemental provider.
Additionally, you can find out whether you qualify for extended coverage options. If you require additional coverage for certain treatments or procedures that Healthy Louisiana deems unnecessary or otherwise does not cover, let us at Insurdinary help.
You can compare affordable insurance plans from top providers in Louisiana and choose the right supplemental coverage for you without interrupting your Ambetter plan. Our providers work great for families who operate within a budget, and with lower co-pays, flexible coverage options, and a variety of plans to choose from, you can find the coverage your family needs.
At Insurdinary, we are committed to helping Louisiana residents find and compare healthcare plans. To compare Ambetter and other state healthcare plans or explore third-party insurance options, compare quotes with Insurdinary today.
Insurdinary, and its network of partners offer many different types of insurance. In addition to health, dental, disability, life, funeral and travel insurance as discussed on this page, you may also be interested to explore the following:
