How to Apply for Louisiana Medicaid Step By Step

Do you think you may be eligible for LA Medicaid but feel overwhelmed by the application process? There’s no need to worry – we have the information you need. In this article, we’ll take you through the LA Medicaid application steps one at a time to make the process easier to get through. 

Learn About the Available LA Medicaid Programs 

Before spending your time going through the application process, we recommend becoming familiar with the Medicaid programs available in the state. Here are some of the programs you could take advantage of: 

• Adult Group 
• Family Opportunity Act
• Medicare Savings Program
• Act 421-Children’s Medicaid Option/TEFRA 
• LaCHIP
• LaHIPP
• LaMOMS

*This isn’t an exhaustive list of Medicaid programs available to Louisianians. Learn more about LA Medicaid programs on the Louisiana Department of Health website. 

Determine Whether You May Be Eligible

There are eligibility requirements in place to ensure that the right people gain access to the right benefits and services. In general, you may qualify for Medicaid services if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• You are disabled.
• You currently receive SSI from the SSA.
• You are under 19 years old.
• You are currently pregnant. 
• You need cancer treatment and have no insurance.  
• You are legally blind. 
• You have low income and currently receive Medicare benefits. 
• You are a Louisiana citizen between 19 and 64 years old and have a household income less than 138% of the federal poverty level.  
• You receive assistance from the Office of Family Support (OFS).

Apply for Coverage 

After reading about the eligibility requirements above, you may have a good idea of your eligibility. But the only way to know for sure whether you’re eligible is to apply. Before you do, be sure to have the following documents or information available: 

• Income information (w-2 forms, wage and tax statements, etc.)
• Social security numbers or document numbers. 
• Current health insurance policy numbers. 
• Job related health insurance information. 

5 Ways to Apply for Medicaid Louisiana Coverage

Applying for Medicaid Louisiana coverage doesn’t have to be difficult; you just need to know the application options available to you. Here are the 5 ways to apply: 

1. 1. Use the Self-Service Portal (SSP). For the fastest application process, you’ll use the SSP to apply for Medicaid services. After following the prompts and filling in the necessary information, there’s no waiting period for submittal. Your application goes right to the Medicaid office instantaneously. 
   2. Apply by phone with a Medicaid Agent. If you would rather apply by phone, call 1.888.342.6207 to speak to an agent who can walk you through the entire process. 
   3. Go to a physical Medicaid Application Center. Walk in to a Medicaid Application center to provide the information and documents you need to apply. Someone there will guide you through the application. Check before going in, as not all centers accept walk-in appointments. 

• Mail or fax a paper application to Medicaid. Grab a pen and download or print this Medicaid application and follow the instructions within to send it to Medicaid.

1. Call or go to your local Medicaid office. If, at any moment, you need help with your application, you can contact or walk in to your nearest Medicaid office. 

Wait for Medicaid’s Decision

It often takes 45 to 90 days for the Medicaid office to process an application. Disability applications tend to take longer to process. You’ll receive a letter in the mail explaining the decision made on your case as well as any next steps or options you have. 

For more information about the Medicaid application process, don’t hesitate to call LA Medicaid at 1.888.342.6207 or contact your local Medicaid office.