Income Limit for Medicaid In Louisiana – Few Things to Know

Income limits for Medicaid eligibility in Louisiana depend on various factors, including the category you are applying for, the scope of coverage, the number of people in the household, whether the application is for children, adults, pregnant women, or seniors, and whether the beneficiaries are blind, disabled, or aged. The income limit is determined by your monthly income and as a percentage of the federal poverty level.

Below is a look at income limits for the various Medicaid programs in Louisiana in 2023 depending on your household size as follows:

CHIP (Children’s Medicaid Program for children aged 0-18 years)

  • $2,458 / month – 1 person household
  • $3,312 / month – 2-person household
  • $4,165/ month – 3-person household
  • $5,019 / month – 4-person household
  • $5,872 / month – 5-person household
  • $6,726 / month – 6-person household
  • $7,579 / month – 7-person household
  • $8,433 / month – 8-person household

259% of the Federal poverty level

LaCHIP Affordable Plan for children aged 0-18 years

  • $2,888 / month – 1 person household
  • $3,819 / month – 2-person household
  • $4,894/ month – 3-person household
  • $5,897 / month – 4-person household
  • $6,900 / month – 5-person household
  • $7,903 / month – 6-person household
  • $8,906 / month – 7-person household
  • $9,909 / month – 8-person household

255% of the Federal poverty level

Family Opportunity Act – for children with disabilities

  • $3,398 / month – 1 person household
  • $4,578 / month – 2-person household
  • $5,578 / month – 3-person household
  • $6,938 / month – 4-person household
  • $8,118 / month – 5-person household
  • $9,298 / month – 6-person household
  • $10,478 / month – 7-person household
  • $11,658 / month – 8-person household

208% of the Federal poverty level

LAMOMs for Pregnant Women

  • $2,106 / month – 2-person household
  • $2,646 / month – 3-person household
  • $3,192 / month – 4-person household
  • $3,735 / month – 5-person household
  • $4,277 / month – 6-person household
  • $4,820 / month – 7-person household
  • $5,363 / month – 8-person household

208% of the Federal poverty level

Medicaid Expansion for Adults 19-64

  • $1,563 / month – 1 person household
  • $2,106 / month – 2-person household
  • $2,649 / month – 3-person household
  • $3,192 / month – 4-person household
  • $3,735 / month – 5-person household
  • $4,277 / month – 6-person household
  • $4,820 / month – 7-person household
  • $5,363 / month – 8-person household

138% of the Federal poverty level

Medicaid Family Planning

  • $1,563 / month – 1 person household
  • $2,106 / month – 2-person household
  • $2,649 / month – 3-person household
  • $3,192 / month – 4-person household
  • $3,735 / month – 5-person household
  • $4,277 / month – 6-person household
  • $4,820 / month – 7-person household
  • $5,363 / month – 8-person household

208% of the Federal poverty level

Types of Incomes That Count Towards the Income Limit

Nearly all types of income count towards your Medicaid application. These include cash given to you by family and friends, employment wages, pension payments, alimony payments, social security income, social security disability income, IRA withdrawals, stock dividends, and veteran’s benefits.

In the case of couples, if only one spouse applies for Medicaid, only the applicant’s income is counted. The other spouse’s income is disregarded. In some cases, the non-applicant may be entitled to a Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMNA) from the applicant’s spouse. In 2023, the MMNA is $3,715 per month.

Other Eligibility Requirements in Louisiana

Aside from age and asset limit, other eligibility requirements in Louisiana include:

  • You must be a US citizen, resident or meet the Louisiana immigration status requirements
  • You must live in Louisiana
  • Medicaid beneficiaries in Louisiana include children, certain groups of adults, persons with disability, pregnant women, and seniors.

How to Enroll for Medicaid in Louisiana

The procedure for enrolling for Medicaid in Louisiana is simple and straightforward. It also depends on whether you have Medicare or not. If you do not have Medicare, you can apply online at the Louisiana Medicaid online application center or Healthcare.gov through the health insurance marketplace.

You can also apply over the phone using the Toll-free number for the Louisiana Medicaid agency ‑1-888-342-6207. Another alternative is to apply in person at the Louisiana Medicaid application center or by mail or fax.

If you are 65 or older or enrolled for Medicare, apply through the Louisiana self-service portal.

Conclusion

The household income limits eligibility for Medicaid in Louisiana varies depending on your pregnancy status, the age of the beneficiaries, medical needs, and household needs, among other factors. It also depends on your monthly income and if it falls within a given percentage of the federal poverty level.

The limits vary for different Louisiana Medicaid plans, including CHIP, affordable CHIP plans, pregnant women, children with disabilities, and Medicaid expansion.

You should renew the plan for health coverage each year. Note that the eligibility criteria for Medicaid benefits in Louisiana vary from time to time. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the Louisiana Department of Health or the state Medicaid agency to confirm the eligibility criteria when applying.

FAQs

Are seniors eligible for Medicaid in Louisiana?

Seniors are eligible for Medicaid services in Louisiana as supplemental insurance. The seniors should be 65 years or older and already enrolled in Medicare. To be eligible, applicants must meet their income and asset requirements.

Typically, the household income limit is 300% of the federal benefit rate, translating to $794 per month per person and $1,191 for a couple. Additionally, asset limits for seniors applying for Medicaid in Louisiana are $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 per couple. You must be a US citizen and a Louisiana resident.

What are my options if my income exceeds the Louisiana Medicaid income limit?

You will not be eligible for Medicaid benefits if you exceed the Louisiana Medicaid income limit. However, you may still be eligible for other health insurance options, including private health insurance, low-cost community health center plans, and the Louisiana Medicaid programs for special populations.