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Louisiana Health Insurance Guide
From the vibrant culture of New Orleans to the serene beauty of bayous and wetlands, Louisiana is a unique and dynamic place to call home — and understanding your health insurance options here is key to protecting your health and finances.
As of 2025, the uninsured rate in Louisiana reflects steady improvements due to expanded access and enrollment efforts. If you’re currently without coverage, here’s what you need to know about getting insured in Louisiana.
Health Insurance Options in Louisiana
Louisiana offers a range of health insurance options tailored to residents’ needs, depending on age, income, employment, and family size. Here are the most common coverage types available:
Employer-Sponsored Insurance
Many Louisiana residents receive health insurance through their employer. If your workplace offers coverage, this is usually the most cost-effective and convenient option.
ACA Marketplace Plans
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, lets you buy health insurance plans through state and federal Health Insurance Marketplaces, offering subsidized health coverage to some people. All ACA plans include essential health benefits, free preventive care, and protect you from preexisting condition discrimination.
Individuals and families without employer coverage can shop for insurance through the federally facilitated ACA Marketplace at Healthcare.gov.
Subsidies may be available to reduce premium costs. You can check your eligibility using our ACA Subsidy Calculator.
ACA Plan Types
ACA marketplace plans come in Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, each with different costs and coverage levels. Plans also vary by provider networks and out-of-pocket expenses, so compare carefully to find what fits your needs.
- Bronze: Low monthly premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs; ideal for minimal healthcare usage.
- Silver: Moderate costs; eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
- Gold: Higher monthly premiums with lower out-of-pocket costs; best for frequent healthcare users.
- Platinum: (If available) Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs.
Metal Tier Breakdown:
| Metal Tier | Insurance Company Pays | Consumer Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 60% | 40% |
| Silver | 70% | 30% |
| Gold | 80% | 20% |
| Platinum | 90% | 10% |
Medicaid
Healthy Louisiana, the state’s Medicaid program, provides free or low-cost coverage for eligible low-income residents. Benefits typically include preventive care, hospital visits, mental health, prescriptions, and more.
Student Health Insurance
College students in any state have multiple health insurance options, including staying on a parent’s plan until age 26, enrolling in a school-sponsored plan, or applying for coverage through the ACA Marketplace. Depending on your income and location, you may also qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or low-cost catastrophic or short-term plans, making Louisiana student health insurance accessible and flexible for a wide range of needs.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Known as LaCHIP, this program helps children and pregnant women in families that earn too much for Medicaid but need affordable insurance. Benefits include doctor visits, hospital care, immunizations, and prescriptions.
Medicare
Medicare plans are available for residents aged 65+ and younger individuals with qualifying disabilities. Options include:
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers to those enrolled in Parts A and B. These plans often include extra benefits and cost protections but typically require using a specific network of providers.
- Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
- Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage for anyone with Medicare, helping pay for medications and many vaccines. Offered by private insurers, these plans vary in cost and coverage and can be joined during specific enrollment periods.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
- Medicare Supplement plans, or Medigap policies, help cover the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare Part A and Part B don’t pay. Since Original Medicare (Parts A and B) lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, these plans can limit your expenses for medical services.
COBRA Coverage
If you’ve recently lost job-based insurance, COBRA allows you to continue your employer coverage temporarily, typically at full cost.
Short-Term Plans
Short-term medical (STM) plans offer flexible, low-cost coverage for up to four months, ideal for healthy individuals in transition. However, STM plans aren’t guaranteed issue, lack subsidies, and may exclude key benefits like maternity, mental health, and pre-existing conditions, making them less suitable for long-term or comprehensive needs.
Short-term medical plans in Louisiana are available for up to 3 months with limited benefits.
Explore all non-ACA health plans that may fit your needs and lifestyle.
Enrollment Periods in Louisiana
Open Enrollment for 2026 Coverage:
November 1, 2025 – December 15, 2025
During this window, all eligible residents can apply for, renew, or change their marketplace health plans.
Special Enrollment Period:
Available year-round for those experiencing qualifying life events (QLE) such as:
- Job loss
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth/adoption of a child
- Relocation
- Change in income
You typically have 60 days from the event to enroll.
Health Insurance Providers in Louisiana
As of 2025, these insurers typically offer individual and family plans through Healthcare.gov:
- CHRISTUS Health Plan Louisiana
- HMO Louisiana
- Louisiana Health Service & Indemnity Company (aka Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Louisiana)
- Vantage Health Plan
Plan availability may vary by parish or zip code. Some carriers may also offer standardized plans if your state provides a public option or similar initiative.
Understanding Health Insurance Costs
When selecting a plan, be sure to understand these common cost terms:
- Premium: Monthly payment to maintain your plan.
- Deductible: What you pay before insurance covers services.
- Copayment (Copay): Fixed amount per visit/service.
- Coinsurance: Shared costs with your insurer after the deductible.
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Your yearly cost cap for covered services.
- In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Staying in-network helps you avoid higher charges.
Understanding health insurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This glossary offers clear definitions of key terms—from agents to costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles—to help you make confident coverage decisions.
Bottom Line
Health insurance in Louisiana comes with many choices—whether from your employer, through the ACA marketplace, or public programs like Medicaid and Medicare. By staying informed and comparing plans during the right enrollment periods, you can secure affordable, reliable coverage that supports your well-being and budget.
Need help choosing a plan? Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to see if you are eligible for ACA plan financial aid or speak with a licensed insurance agent about all your options.
