Understanding how to qualify for Medicaid in Louisiana can help prospective applicants to improve their chances of acceptance into the program. “Who is eligible for Medicaid?” is a common question from those interested in medical assistance. Medicaid benefits eligibility guidelines ensure that the program can provide comprehensive health care coverage to individuals and families who qualify. Medicaid is funded by the federal and state governments. While states are required to follow the federal government’s minimum guidelines and rules, states can decide what extra coverage they want to include. Learn more about Medicaid eligibility requirements in LA by reading the following sections.
What are the requirements for Medicaid?
In order for residents to be eligible for Medicaid in Louisiana, they must currently be a resident of Louisiana. When determining an applicant’s Medicaid benefits eligibility, the program will require the applicant to provide acceptable documentation proving their residency in the state. Applicants must also provide proof of their status as a U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident or legal alien. To meet requirements for Medicaid, most applicants will have to demonstrate a low income by submitting approved documentation. Applicants may also meet LA Medicaid benefits eligibility if they receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration or if they receive financial support through the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP).
Although applicants may qualify for Medicaid coverage on the basis of income alone, there are other ways to qualify for special Medicaid programs in Louisiana. Residents may meet Louisiana Medicaid benefits eligibility requirements if they are:
- Blind.
- Pregnant.
- A low-income parent of a child or children under 19 years of age.
- A child under 19 years of age.
- Disabled.
- Without insurance and in need of treatment for breast and/or cervical cancer.
These are just some examples of groups that may qualify for Medicaid. To learn more about Medicaid requirements, download our free guide.
What are the income requirements for Medicaid in Louisiana?
To qualify for Louisiana Medicaid, applicants must have a household income that is below a certain amount, depending on how many members are in the household. Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid eligibility expansion was passed, applicants had to meet a qualifying condition, such as having a disability or claiming dependents. Now that Medicaid eligibility guidelines have expanded in Louisiana, candidates can qualify for Medicaid based solely on their income level. To qualify for Medicaid benefits, an adult between 19 and 64 years of age who does not have any dependents must demonstrate an income that is below 138 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). However, this LA Medicaid income requirement percentage changes for other Medicaid programs, including those designed for families and pregnant women. A higher income maximum makes these programs easier for more applicants to access. To learn more about Medicaid income requirements, download our free guide today.
What are the Medicaid application guidelines?
An applicant must submit a Louisiana Medicaid Application to become approved for the program and receive medical assistance benefits. Medicaid has rolling applications, meaning the program has no deadline, so residents are welcome to apply for benefits whenever they need them. Medicaid application guidelines permit candidates to apply online, in-person, by phone or by mail. Perhaps the quickest way for petitioners to apply is online. Residents who need help completing their Medicaid application can receive assistance from a certified application counselor at no cost, as long as they apply in person at Louisiana Medicaid Application Center. No matter which LA Medicaid application method the petitioner chooses, he or she will need to offer certain types of information and documentation. Once an application is processed, a candidate will typically be notified within 45 days after he or she has applied.
Once a candidate is approved for Medicaid benefits in Louisiana, he or she can obtain coverage immediately. Petitioners can complete their Medicaid application form as soon as possible in order to obtain the health care they need. Eligible Medicaid beneficiaries can also choose to have their coverage start either on the date of application or the first day of the month of application. Benefits can cover an individual retroactively for up to three months prior to the application. This can only be done if the individual would have been deemed eligible during that period as well had he or she submitted an application. Medicaid coverage in LA ends for a beneficiary when that individual no longer meets the Medicaid eligibility requirements.