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Louisiana Medicaid Income Limits

Louisiana Medicaid is available to residents who meet the citizenship, eligibility and income requirements set by the state. Each eligibility group is allowed an income up to a certain percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In 2011, the FPL for a household of three is $18,530. You may still qualify for Medicaid under certain circumstances even if you exceed the income limit.

  1. Sources of Income

    • All sources of income, earned and unearned, are included in an applicant's total gross monthly income. Wages received through employment are considered earned income. Examples of unearned income include child support, alimony, Social Security benefits and interest from bank accounts. All income for the household must be calculated. Each employed person in the household can deduct $90 a month from the income. If you have children under the age of 2 and pay for child care, you may qualify for a deduction of up to $200 per child. Children over 2 years of age receive a deduction of $175 per child.

    Pregnant Women and Infants

    • The LaMoms program was established on January 1, 2003, to provide no-cost coverage to pregnant women who exceed the traditional Medicaid income guidelines. Through the program, pregnant women are allowed an income of up to 200 percent of the FPL. The unborn child is included in the household size. For example, in 2011 a single mother and the unborn child can have an income of $ 2,429 to qualify for benefits. The infant will be covered for the first 12 months as long as the income limit remains at or below 200 percent of the FPL.

    Children, Adults and Disabled

    • If you are applying for Medicaid for a child up to age 18, the income limit is 200 percent of the FPL. Parents who work and have children living in the household are allowed to earn 20 percent of the FPL. If the parent is not working, the income limit is only 13 percent of the FPL. Disabled or blind individuals who received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible for the Louisiana Medicaid program. Elderly individuals who receive Medicare can use Medicaid to supplement benefits. To qualify for the Louisiana Medicare Beneficiary program, an individual's income is limited to $903 a month and a couple cannot exceed $1,215.

    Medically-Needy

    • Through the Medically-Needy program, applicants who exceed the income guidelines for Louisiana Medicaid may still qualify for coverage. If you have excessive medical debt, the expenses are subtracted from your gross monthly income. Your income after medical deductions cannot exceed 13 percent for an individual and 20 percent for a couple. In addition to the income requirements, your countable assets are also limited to $2,000 for a single applicant or $3,000 for a couple. Your home, vehicle and personal possessions are exempt.

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