Last Updated: February, 2026 | Source: Louisiana Department of Health (LDH)
Louisiana Medicaid — called Healthy Louisiana — helps low-income residents get free or low-cost health coverage.
To qualify, your household income must fall below a set limit based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
New 2026 income limits took effect March 1, 2026, based on updated FPL figures from the federal government.
Quick Summary:
- Louisiana Medicaid is run by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH)
- Income limits depend on your age, family size, and eligibility group
- Adults 19–64 qualify at 138% FPL (~$1,836/month for 1 person)
- Children can qualify up to 217% FPL (~$2,887/month for 1 person)
- Pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities have separate rules
- You can apply online at myla.louisiana.gov
To understand who qualifies beyond income, read our full guide on Louisiana Medicaid eligibility in 2026.
Page Contents
- 1 What Is the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)?
- 2 Adults Age 19–64 (ACA Medicaid Expansion)
- 3 Children Under Age 19
- 4 Pregnant Women (LaMOMS Program)
- 5 Low-Income Parents and Caretaker Relatives
- 6 Medicare Savings Programs (Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries)
- 7 Transitional Medicaid and Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment
- 8 Long-Term Care (LTC) Medicaid — Nursing Home and Waivers
- 9 Medically Needy / Spend-Down Program
- 10 Asset Limits at a Glance
- 11 How to Apply for Louisiana Medicaid in 2026
- 12 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 12.1 1. What is the income limit for Medicaid in Louisiana in 2026?
- 12.2 2. Does Louisiana Medicaid have an asset limit in 2026?
- 12.3 3. Can I get Medicaid if I make too much but have high medical bills?
- 12.4 4. When did the new Louisiana Medicaid income limits take effect in 2026?
- 12.5 5. How does Louisiana Medicaid work for nursing home care in 2026?
- 12.6 6. What is LaCHIP and how does it differ from Medicaid for children?
- 13 Official Sources
What Is the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)?
The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is a number set by the federal government each year. Louisiana uses it to decide who qualifies for Medicaid. The new 2026 FPL figures took effect March 1, 2026.
For 2026, 100% FPL equals:
- $1,330/month for 1 person
- $1,805/month for 2 people
Louisiana Medicaid uses different FPL percentages for different groups. Each group has its own income limit, shown in the sections below.
Adults Age 19–64 (ACA Medicaid Expansion)
Adults aged 19 to 64 can qualify for Healthy Louisiana through the ACA Medicaid Expansion. This is the largest Medicaid group in Louisiana and uses 138% FPL as the income limit.
To qualify, you must:
- Be age 19 to 64
- Not already qualify for Medicare or other Medicaid
- Meet citizenship or immigration requirements
- Have income at or below 138% FPL
2026 Income Limits for Adults (138% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,836/month |
| 2 people | $2,489/month |
| 3 people | $3,065/month |
| 4 people | $3,698/month |
| Each extra person | Add ~$633/month |
These figures are effective March 1, 2026, per the LDH Eligibility Manual Z-200.
Children Under Age 19
Louisiana offers generous Medicaid coverage for children. Kids under 19 can qualify at 217% FPL — much higher than the adult limit. This means more children can get coverage even if their parents don’t qualify.
Children who don’t meet the Medicaid limit may still get coverage through LaCHIP (Louisiana’s Children’s Health Insurance Program), which goes up to 255% FPL.
2026 Income Limits for Children
| Household Size | Medicaid (217% FPL) | LaCHIP (255% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,887/month | $3,392/month |
| 2 people | $3,914/month | Ask LDH for exact figure |
If you are unsure whether your child qualifies, apply anyway — LDH will determine the right program.
You can also compare Medicaid income limits by state in 2026 to see how Louisiana compares.
Pregnant Women (LaMOMS Program)
Pregnant women in Louisiana can apply for Medicaid through the LaMOMS program. The income limit is 138% FPL — the same as for adults.
However, a key rule helps pregnant women qualify more easily: a pregnant woman counts as two people when determining household size.
This means a pregnant woman with a two-person household uses a three-person income limit, which is higher.
Important LaMOMS Benefits
- Coverage continues for 12 full months after the baby’s birth
- LaMOMS covers prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum visits
- Apply as early in pregnancy as possible
Louisiana is one of only four states (along with Idaho, Oklahoma, and South Dakota) that limits pregnant women to 138% FPL — one of the lowest thresholds in the country. This makes it especially important to apply and get screened for all possible programs.
Low-Income Parents and Caretaker Relatives
If you are a parent or caretaker relative caring for a child, the income rules are much stricter. Louisiana sets this limit at only 24% FPL — about $320/month for one person in 2026.
This is one of the lowest parent thresholds in the nation. If you do not qualify here, you may still qualify as an adult under the ACA expansion if you are age 19–64.
Medicare Savings Programs (Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries)
If you have Medicare and have low income, Louisiana offers Medicare Savings Programs through Medicaid. These programs help pay for Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
There are four programs, each with its own income limit. These limits follow the 2026 FPL guidelines from the LDH Z-200 FPL Chart.
2026 Medicare Savings Program Income Limits
| Program | Who It Helps | Monthly Income Limit (Individual) |
|---|---|---|
| QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) | Pays Part A & B premiums + cost-sharing | ~$1,330/month (100% FPL) |
| SLMB (Specified Low-Income MB) | Pays Part B premiums | ~$1,596/month (120% FPL) |
| QI (Qualifying Individual) | Pays Part B premiums | ~$1,796/month (135% FPL) |
| QDWI (Disabled & Working Individual) | Working disabled under 65 | ~$2,660/month (200% FPL) |
If you receive Medicare and have limited income, check if you qualify for one of these programs. Even small savings on premiums can make a big difference each month.
Transitional Medicaid and Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment
Louisiana also offers Medicaid for two additional situations: transitional coverage and TB treatment. Each has its own income limit based on the 2026 FPL.
Transitional Medicaid
Transitional Medicaid is for people who lose regular Medicaid eligibility due to higher income — often from getting a new job. The income limit is 190% FPL (185% plus a 5% disregard), or about $2,527/month for one person in 2026.
This gives people time to get employer insurance or other coverage without losing health benefits right away.
Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment
For TB treatment, the income limit is 160% FPL (155% plus a 5% disregard), or about $2,128/month for one person in 2026. This program ensures people with active TB can get treatment regardless of other Medicaid eligibility.
Long-Term Care (LTC) Medicaid — Nursing Home and Waivers
Long-Term Care Medicaid is for seniors and people with disabilities who need nursing home care or home-based waiver services. These programs have both income AND asset limits.
LTC Medicaid rules are very different from regular Medicaid. Before applying, it’s also helpful to understand how Medicaid fee schedule 2026 affects provider billing and service coverage.
2026 LTC Income and Asset Limits
| Requirement | Limit |
|---|---|
| Monthly income limit | $2,982/month |
| Asset limit (individual) | $2,000 |
| Personal Needs Allowance | $45/month |
| Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) | Up to $162,660 |
| Home equity interest limit | $752,000 |
Key LTC Rules to Know
- All income above the Personal Needs Allowance ($45/month) must go toward nursing home costs — this is called Patient Liability
- Married couples: the spouse at home (community spouse) can keep up to $162,660 of the couple’s assets
- Louisiana applies a 60-month (5-year) Look-Back Period — asset transfers within 5 years of applying are reviewed
- IRAs and 401(k)s are counted as assets for LTC eligibility in Louisiana
Exempt (non-countable) assets include:
- Your primary home (up to the equity limit)
- One automobile
- Personal belongings and household furnishings
- Irrevocable burial trusts
- Life insurance with a combined face value up to $10,000
Medically Needy / Spend-Down Program
If your income is too high for regular Medicaid, you may still qualify through the Spend-Down pathway. This works like a deductible — if your medical bills bring your remaining income below the Medically Needy Income Eligibility Standard (MNIES), you may qualify.
2026 MNIES Thresholds
| Area | Individual | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| Urban (East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard Parishes) | $100/month | $192/month |
| Rural (all other parishes) | $92/month | $167/month |
The spend-down program is often overlooked but can be very valuable for people with high medical costs who don’t otherwise qualify.
Asset Limits at a Glance
| Program Type | Individual Asset Limit |
|---|---|
| Nursing Home / LTC Waivers | $2,000 |
| ACA Adult Medicaid (19–64) | No asset test |
| Children’s Medicaid | No asset test |
| Pregnant Women (LaMOMS) | No asset test |
Most regular Medicaid programs in Louisiana do not have an asset limit. Only long-term care programs require you to have low assets.
How to Apply for Louisiana Medicaid in 2026
Applying is free. You can apply in several ways. Make sure to gather proof of income, identity, residency, and citizenship before you start.
Application Methods
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | myla.louisiana.gov |
| Phone | 1-888-342-6207 |
| In-Person | Visit your local Medicaid Application Center |
| P.O. Box 91278, Baton Rouge, LA 70821 |
Processing times:
- Regular applications: up to 45 days
- Disability-based applications: up to 90 days
Apply as soon as possible. If you are approved, coverage may go back to your application date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the income limit for Medicaid in Louisiana in 2026?
For adults 19–64, the limit is 138% FPL — about $1,836/month for one person. Children qualify up to 217% FPL (~$2,887/month). Pregnant women use the same 138% threshold but count as two people for household size.
2. Does Louisiana Medicaid have an asset limit in 2026?
Regular Medicaid — including the ACA adult expansion, children’s Medicaid, and LaMOMS — has no asset test. Only Long-Term Care (nursing home) Medicaid requires assets below $2,000 for an individual.
3. Can I get Medicaid if I make too much but have high medical bills?
Yes. Louisiana’s Spend-Down (Medically Needy) program lets you qualify if your medical expenses reduce your income below $92–$100/month, depending on whether you live in an urban or rural parish.
4. When did the new Louisiana Medicaid income limits take effect in 2026?
The updated 2026 income limits, based on new Federal Poverty Level figures, took effect March 1, 2026, per the Louisiana Department of Health Eligibility Manual issued January 30, 2026.
5. How does Louisiana Medicaid work for nursing home care in 2026?
To qualify for nursing home Medicaid, your income must be under $2,982/month and assets under $2,000. You must also need a nursing home level of care. A 5-year look-back period applies to asset transfers.
6. What is LaCHIP and how does it differ from Medicaid for children?
LaCHIP is Louisiana’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It covers children whose income is too high for Medicaid — up to 255% FPL (~$3,392/month for one). It is separate from Medicaid but similar in benefits and also free or low-cost.
Official Sources
- Louisiana Department of Health — Medicaid Information: ldh.la.gov/page/Medicaid-Information
- LDH Z-200 FPL Income Guidelines (January 30, 2026): ldh.la.gov/assets/medicaid/medicaideligibilitypolicy/z-200m.pdf
- LDH Eligibility Manual H-800 (January 6, 2026): ldh.la.gov/assets/medicaid/MedicaidEligibilityPolicy/H-800.pdf
- Medicaid Partners / Income Limit Charts: ldh.la.gov/medicaid/Medicaid-Partners
- Apply Online: myla.louisiana.gov
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify your eligibility with the Louisiana Department of Health or a qualified Medicaid planning professional. Income limits shown are effective March 1, 2026.
Last Updated: February, 2026 | Data Source: Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Eligibility Manual
