Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Louisiana was created to help children have affordable health insurance coverage. LA CHIP is divided into two categories called LaCHIP and LaCHIP Affordable Plan. While both programs are designed for children, the plans require beneficiaries to pay different amounts for medical services. When a household that lacks Medicaid eligibility children from that family may still be entitled to receive health benefits from one of the CHIP programs in Louisiana. Since there are many different CHIP and Medicaid enrollment programs in Louisiana many people may wonder “Is CHIP considered Medicaid?” To find out about eligibility and how to apply for CHIP in Louisiana, read the outlined information below.
What is Louisiana’s Children’s Health Insurance Program?
What is CHIP Medicaid? Medicaid for children, LaCHIP and LaCHIP Affordable Plan are all government provided health coverage and are not a part of a private insurance company. While Medicaid has existed for some time, the CHIP program was created in 1997 and then reconstructed in 2009, due to the Affordable Care Act, to ensure that children who are in need of health insurance could have access to important medical services. Once an applicant has been enrolled, he or she can see any medical provider that is in network with his or her CHIP plan. Parents and guardians of children on CHIP may have to pay a portion for certain services. Find comprehensive information about what is covered by CHIP Medicaid by downloading our free guide.
Is CHIP considered Medicaid in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Children’s Health Insurance Program is a special offshoot of Medicaid, specifically to fill the gap in health care coverage for minors. Households that do not meet Medicaid eligibility requirements may still be able to request coverage for the minor children. Louisiana adults and children qualify for Medicaid coverage if they meet the low-income requirements when applying to Medicaid. For households that earn more than the program limits, Louisiana CHIP and Medicaid enrollment may still be possible for children through the LaCHIP or LaCHIP Affordable Plan, depending on income. Both children’s Medicaid and LaCHIP are no-cost insurances. While beneficiaries on LaCHIP Affordable Plan will have to pay a portion of their medical treatment and service costs.
Who qualifies for CHIP in Louisiana?
Children’s Health Insurance Programs cover those who meet the criteria for enrollment. The same basic CHIP and Medicaid enrollment guidelines apply to both LaCHIP and LaCHIP Affordable Plan, with the only difference being the income requirements. When applying for CHIP, be aware of these basic eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must be younger than 19 years of age
- Applicants must be a citizen of the U.S or a legal alien
- Applicants cannot have health insurance at the time of submitting the application
- Applicants must meet the specific income requirements
One of the biggest differences between CHIP and Medicaid for children is the age until minor claimants are no longer eligible for Medicaid benefits. Children on Medicaid can stay enrolled until their 21st birthday while CHIP beneficiaries can only stay in the program until their 19th birthday.
What services are covered by CHIP in Louisiana?
What is covered by CHIP Medicaid? Covered services from Medicaid for children in LA include those that keep children in good health such as preventative treatments. Many types of services are covered by LA CHIP including:
- Doctor’s visits
- Hospitalizations
- Prescription drugs
- Emergency transportation
- Immunizations
- Laboratory work
Children on Medicaid will have other services covered including certain medical tests and nursing services. Dental, hearing and vision care are provided but there may be a small fee on limited services. Likewise, parents of those enrolled in the LaCHIP Affordable Plan may have copays on services completely covered by LaCHIP and Medicaid. Caretakers of children enrolled in Medicaid should know what services are covered and costs for treatments with fees prior to having procedures rendered.
What services are not covered by CHIP Medicaid? Certain treatments like aromatherapy will not be covered, as only scientifically proven treatments are covered. Claimants may also be charged for covered services if rendered by an out-of-network provider not covered by CHIP.
How to Apply for CHIP in Louisiana
The Louisiana Children’s Insurance Health Program has a simple enrollment process. Petitioners can use the CHIP and Medicaid enrollment process to apply to Medicaid, LaCHIP and LaCHIP Affordable Plan at the same time. Enrolling in CHIP and Medicaid can be done online by logging into a LA Medicaid/LaCHIP Self Service Portal. This portal also allows existing beneficiaries to update request information and reapply to the program.
For those who do not want to apply for CHIP online, they can print out an application and fax it or mail it to the Louisiana Department of Health. Fax the CHIP application to 1-877-523-2987. Mail the application for enrollment or reenrollment to the address below:
Medicaid Application Office
P. O. Box 91278
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
Download our detailed guide for comprehensive information on applying to Medicaid for children and adults.