For those who don’t know, Medicaid’s eligibility criteria center heavily on income – specifically, monthly income limits. On a basic level, if your household income is higher than the income limit, you won’t be eligible for Medicaid coverage. But what is this limit, exactly? Does it change based on the household? And could you still get Medicaid coverage even if you make too much money? We’ll answer all of these questions in this simple, short guide.
What is the Maximum Income to Qualify for Medicaid?
The maximum income to qualify for Medicaid depends on two factors – your household size and the program you’re attempting to gain access to:
- Household size – The number of people in your home (yourself, your spouse, or your dependents). For instance, if you are applying for Medicaid coverage, live with a spouse, and have four young dependents, your household size will be 6. An applicant who’s a single mother with one dependent child will have a household size of 2.
- The Medicaid Program – Louisiana Medicaid is made up of several different programs, each with a different income limit for each household size.
With that in mind, let’s get into Medicaid Louisiana income limits, which you can find on the Louisiana Department of Health website.
Source: Louisiana Department of Health
These amounts became effective on 3/1/2024. Here’s how to verify whether your income is under the limits:
- Calculate your family size and your monthly income.
- Choose a Medicaid program on the far left and look at the dollar amount for your family size.
- If the number is equal to or higher than your monthly income, you meet the income guidelines.
- If the number is lower than your monthly income, you do not meet the income guidelines.
How Do I Check My Medicaid Eligibility in Louisiana?
Just because you meet the income guidelines doesn’t mean you’ll be accepted into the Louisiana Medicaid program. There are many other factors in play when it comes to your eligibility for different programs. The only way to check your Medicaid eligibility with certainty is to apply for Louisiana Medicaid yourself. You’ll receive a formal approval or denial, which you can appeal if you believe it’s unfounded.
Don’t throw in the towel if you’re denied for income ineligibility. You may still be able to obtain coverage through the Medicaid Spend Down program, where certain individuals with higher incomes can receive coverage. They’ll still be responsible for some of their medical costs, but this is better than receiving no assistance. Read about Medicaid Spend Down in this helpful resource.
Have Additional Questions? Reach Out to a Support Coordinator
Support coordinators are standing by to help you at every stage of your LA Medicaid journey. They can answer questions about calculating your income and family size, educate you on different Medicaid programs, and more. Their overall intention is to ensure you can receive the assistance you’re entitled to. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best as you pursue the coverage you’re entitled to as a Louisianan.
