How do I Understand the Louisiana State Medicaid Program?

The Louisiana State Medicaid program provides low-income residents with free or affordable health care. Although this is a complete package of health coverage, there are restrictions on what and who is covered. In order to receive this benefit, residents must apply and meet the qualification for acceptance into the program. The most basic requirements of the Louisiana State Medicaid programs are these: An applicant must be a resident of the state of Louisiana and a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Begin by discovering if you are automatically eligible. Those who are automatically eligible for the Louisiana State Medicaid program are those who get Social Security Income, or SSI, from the Social Security Administration and those who receive help from the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program, or FITAP.

• 2

  Learn about groups covered by the Louisiana State Medicaid program. For those who are not automatically eligible, they may still be covered if they fall into the following groups: those over 65 years old, the blind or disabled, and those who are or live with a child, a pregnant woman or a woman who has been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer.

• 3

  Discover how to apply for the Louisiana State Medicaid program. Those receiving SSI or help from FITAP do not need to fill out an application. All other applicants need to fill out a formal application and attach any required supplemental documents, such as paycheck stubs or a tax return, to provide proof of income. This form may be filled out at a local Medicaid office or filled out at home and returned by mail.

• 4

  Understand when coverage under this program begins and ends. Accepted applicants may have medical expenses covered for up to three months prior to when they sent in their application. Eligibility for the Louisiana State Medicaid program is reviewed as frequently as every three months or as infrequently as every 12 months. Every beneficiary is reviewed at least once a year. If an applicant is no longer eligible for Medicaid, they can be put into the Transitional Medicaid program and receive benefits for another six to 12 months.