The Louisiana Department of Health announced the landmark enrollment of 250,000 new adults into Healthy Louisiana, the state’s expanded Medicaid program. Enrollment began on June 1 and coverage started July 1.
Healthy Louisiana will bring health insurance coverage to an estimated 375,000 working Louisianans. In the first month and a half of enrollment, an average of 2,500 residents per day have signed up for Medicaid coverage.
One contributor to the state’s success has been the Department’s use of creative enrollment strategies. Enrollees of two limited-coverage programs, Take Charge Plus and the Greater New Orleans Community Health Connection, automatically gained full Medicaid coverage under Healthy Louisiana. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services granted Louisiana special permission to enroll residents using data from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), more commonly known as food stamps. This innovative approach saves the State an estimated $1.5 million and 52,000 man hours.
Expanded Medicaid coverage is available for adults ages 19 to 64 with a household income of up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, or $33,534 for a family of four. Applicants must meet citizenship requirements and cannot already be covered by Medicaid or Medicare. Residents who think they may be eligible can apply in person, by phone or online at healthy.la.gov. Enrollment is ongoing.