UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 05, 2023 | 3 MIN READ
Louisiana health insurance for an individual depends on the coverage you’re looking for. There are four different metal tiers with varying levels of premiums and deductibles. There are also options for low-income people if you qualify. Getting cheap health insurance in Louisiana shouldn’t be difficult, and we’re here to make the process easier.
Louisiana Open Enrollment dates for health insurance
The health insurance Open Enrollment period runs annually from November 1st to January 15th in Louisiana.
Louisiana health insurance demographics
Louisiana health insurance demographics are essential in determining eligibility for specific low-income programs.
- Average Household Income: The average household income is $73,759. The median household income is $50,800.
- Median Age Range: The median age is 37.2 years of age.
- Education: Louisiana ranked low for the number of residents with a high school diploma or college degree. Only 31.4% of residents had a college degree.
What type of health insurance Marketplace does Louisiana have?
Louisiana has a federally run health insurance exchange. There have been six carriers within that exchange since 2022. Residents use HealthCare.gov to enroll in programs within the exchange.
How many people are insured through the Louisiana health insurance marketplace?
After the open enrollment in 2022, 99,626 were enrolled in plans through the Louisiana Exchange. That is roughly a 4% increase from 2021, when 83,159 residents enrolled. This is the highest it’s been since 2018.
Did Louisiana implement the ACA’s Medicaid expansion?
Former Gov. Bobby Jindal initially refused to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. But, in 2016, Gov. John Bel Edwards reversed that decision and adopted the Medicaid expansion as his first official act as governor.
When can you purchase ACA health insurance in Louisiana?
The open enrollment for Louisiana health insurance within the exchange is from November 1, 2022, to January 15, 2023. Outside of open enrollment, if you want individual or family health insurance in Louisiana, you need a qualifying event to enroll or change your coverage.
Types of ACA plans in Louisiana
Plenty of Affordable Care Act plans offer varying health insurance in Louisiana. Louisiana health insurance is determined based on metal tiers. Depending on the metal tier you choose, you get lower monthly premiums. However, higher deductibles come with that, and vice versa.
What carriers offer ACA health insurance in Louisiana?
Six insurers in 2022 offer exchange plans in Louisiana. The most recent additions to the exchange are Ambetter from Louisiana Healthcare Connections and UnitedHealthcare. The following insurers offer health insurance in Louisiana:
- UnitedHealthcare
- Ambetter from Louisiana Healthcare Connections
- HMO Louisiana
- Christus
- Vantage Health Plan
- BlueCross BlueShield of Louisiana
How much does health insurance cost in Louisiana?
The cheapest health insurance in the state for Silver plans is the Blue POS 80/60. The average monthly cost for a 40-year-old is $728 monthly.
Cheapest health insurance by metal tier
Louisana’s health insurance plans are divided into four levels (as shown below). These plans would be good options if you’re looking for cheap individual health insurance.
| Metal Tier | Cheapest Plan | Monthly Premium | Deductible | Maximum Out-of-Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Blue POS | $430 | $6,500 | $8,700 |
| Bronze Expanded | CHP LA Bronze | $370 | $7,450 | $8,700 |
| Silver | CHP LA Basic Silver | $445 | $3,000 | $8,700 |
| Gold | Blue Connect | $575 | $1,000 | $8,700 |
Cheapest health insurance by county
The cheapest individual health plans in Louisiana vary slightly by county. Below are the most cost-effective options for the five largest counties in the state. The cost of family insurance plans varies somewhat by county as well.
| County Name | Cheapest Plan | Plan | Individual, Age 40 |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Baton Rouge Parish | HMO Louisiana | Blue POS | $440 |
| Jefferson Parish | HMO Louisiana | Blue POS | $410 |
| Lafayette Parish | HMO Louisiana | Blue POS | $440 |
| Orleans Parish | HMO Louisiana | Blue POS | $410 |
| St. Tammany Parish | HMO Louisiana | Blue POS | $410 |
Are subsidies available in Louisiana?
In 2021, the federal government expanded subsidies. They also removed the income gap attached to them. You pay no more than 8.5% of your annual household income for two years on health insurance.
Can you purchase off-exchange health coverage in Louisiana?
Insurers sometimes sell private health insurance in Louisiana outside of Open Enrollment. These plans are found through some insurers, and if you buy a plan outside the Marketplace, you get premium tax credits based on your income. However, most plans sold outside the exchange don’t qualify as health coverage.
Can you purchase short-term insurance in Louisiana?
Short-term health insurance in Louisiana costs roughly $114 monthly. However, it has less comprehensive coverage than an ACA health insurance plan. Most short-term plans last up to 364 days but provide only minimal coverage.
Health coverage options for low-income people in Louisiana
There are some great options available for low-income residents of Louisiana. Medicaid and Medicare are available for those needing affordable health insurance in Louisiana.
What Medicare options are available in Louisiana?
To qualify for Medicare, you must be 65 or older or have an illness or disability. There are four main parts of Medicare:
- Part A: Insurance for inpatient hospital stays
- Part B: Insurance for outpatient care such as lab work, medical devices, and doctor visits.
- Part C: Medicare Advantage gives you Part A and B, which include dental, vision, and hearing.
- Part D: Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. It covers both generic and name-brand prescription drugs.
Medicaid in Louisiana
Medicaid is free health insurance in Louisiana for low-income adults, pregnant women, children, elderly adults, and disabled people. You must fall below 138% of the federal poverty line to qualify.
Cheapest health insurance plans in Louisiana
It’s possible to find cheap health insurance in your area. There are plans with low out-of-pocket costs and low premiums. You must decide what coverage you’re looking for and go from there.
Cheapest health plan in Louisiana with low out-of-pocket maximums
Residents with higher-than-average medical bills opt for plans that have cheap out-of-pocket maximums. As a result, you pay a higher premium but reach your maximum limit sooner due to your medical costs. Your carrier then steps in and starts covering your costs sooner. Blue Cross and BlueShield of Louisiana have the cheapest plan at $685 monthly with an out-of-pocket max of $6,900.
Cheapest health plan in Louisiana with high out-of-pocket maximums
Residents with low medical expenses opt for high out-of-pocket maximums with low premiums. You only pay more if you start visiting the doctor frequently or have a medical emergency. The cheapest plan is with Christus Health Plan at $296 monthly with a high out-of-pocket max of roughly $8,250.
Cheapest health plan in Louisiana with an HSA option
Consider a Health Savings Account (HSA) if you’re healthy. It gives you a pre-tax savings account that you only use for medical deductibles. The cheapest insurance for all metal tiers is:
- The most affordable HSA Silver Plan is Blue Saver 90/70 by BlueCross and BlueShield Louisiana at $914 monthly.
- The cheapest HSA Expanded Bronze Plan is CHP LA Bronze HAS by Christus Health Plan at $406 monthly.
Cheapest HMO/PPO/POS health insurance plans in Louisiana
Louisiana’s most common plan type is a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). Point-of-Service (POS) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) offer other plan types.
HMOs are cheaper but have restrictions on where you go. PPOs are more expensive than HMOs but have a broader network. POS allows you to go anywhere, but costs are higher if you get coverage out of network. The cheapest health insurance in Louisiana is:
- HMO: Christus Health Plan at $407 monthly
- PPO: BlueCross BlueShield Louisiana at $905 monthly
- POS: HMO Louisiana at $451 monthly
FAQs
What’s the average cost of health insurance in Louisiana?
In 2022, the average cost of Silver health insurance in Louisiana is $728 monthly.
What’s the maximum income to qualify for Medicaid in Louisiana?
For an individual, the income limit is $12,880. For a family of four, the income limit is $26,500.
Does Louisiana have state health insurance?
The Louisiana Medicaid program is federally funded and provides coverage to those who qualify.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Louisiana?
Apply for Medicaid by:
- Applying online on the Medicaid Self-Service Portal
- Download and print the application
- To apply by phone, call Medicaid customer service at 1-888-342-6207
- Contact the Medicaid Application Center statewide
Who qualifies for Medicare in Louisiana?
Anyone 65 years of age or older and people under 65 with a disability or illness qualify for Medicare.
How To Buy Cheap Health Insurance In Louisiana
Getting cheap health insurance in Louisiana has never been easier. Simply compare rates using our online quote tool and choose the best option for you and your budget.
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