There are many public health insurance plans and options that make healthcare accessible to all Louisiana residents. These services are provided through the U.S. federal government or Louisiana Medicaid and Medicare programs. These public health insurance programs are available to you in the event that you do not want to enroll in private health insurance or are unable to afford other health insurance options.
Click on an area below to be taken to more detailed pages about Obamacare (The Affordable Care Act), Medicaid, or Medicare programs, plans, options, and FAQs.
Obamacare, The Affordable Care Act
Obamacare, or The Affordable Care Act, refers to any health care insurance plan that can be bought through the federally operated Health Insurance Marketplace. When applying for Obamacare, you may find that you also qualify for cost assistance or government subsidies.
Learn more about Obamacare, the Affordable Care Act, here.
Louisiana Medicaid: Health Insurance For Low-Income
Louisiana Medicaid is the state-funded health insurance for low-income individuals, families, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. In 2013 Louisiana expanded its Medicaid program in response to the growing need of its citizens. As such you may want to reapply if previously denied. You can apply for Louisiana Medicaid, and if approved, begin benefits at any time of the year.
Louisiana Medicaid programs include:
- STAR
- STAR+PLUS
- CHIP Perinatal
- HIPP (Louisiana Health Insurance Premium Payment Program)
- Keystone First
Learn more about Louisiana Medicaid here.
Louisiana Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance for those who are 65 years of age or older, or who have a specific disability such as end-stage renal disease. If you have Medicare Part A today, you meet the requirements for qualified health coverage per the Affordable Care Act. Medicare Part B, unfortunately, does not meet this requirement so you will need additional health insurance coverage to avoid The Affordable Care Act penalty.
Louisiana Medicare programs and services include:
- Original Medicare Plans - Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance)
- Medicare Advantage Plan - Part C
- Medicare Rx Plan - Part D
- Medigap
- HICAP
Learn more about Louisiana Medicare here.
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