Louisiana Health Insurance
If you live in Louisiana and need affordable health care, you might try some of the resources wee compiled below.
Louisiana Department of Insurance
The Louisiana Department of Insurance is responsible for regulating all types of insurance sold in the state of Louisiana – including health insurance policies.
If you are looking for health insurance coverage, the Department of Insurance can help you find an insurance agent or insurance company that is licensed to do business in Louisiana. You can contact them at the phone number listed below, or conduct your own search online.
If you are having trouble resolving a claims dispute with your insurer, you can file a complaint with the Department of Insurance. Contact the Department of Insurance at the phone number listed below, or download the online complaint form.
Louisiana Department of Insurance
1701 N. 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: 800.259.5300 or 800.259.5301
http://www.ldi.state.la.us/
Buying Individual Policies in Louisiana
As a general rule, insurers in Louisiana are allowed to reject your application for coverage based on your health status. However, you may qualify for coverage as a “HIPAA-eligible” individual if you:
- had at least 18 months of continuous creditable coverage, the last day of which was under a group plan AND
- you have exhausted all COBRA continuation coverage which was available to you.
People who are HIPAA-eligible are guaranteed the right to buy insurance through the Louisiana Health Plan (described below). If you are not sure whether you are a HIPAA-eligible individual, your insurance agent or the Department of Insurance can help you find out.
Louisiana Health Plan (LHP)
LHP offers coverage to individuals who are unable to purchase an individual health insurance policy because they have pre-existing health conditions. It also covers “HIPAA-eligible” individuals as described above. The LHP website has a fact sheet which details the eligibility requirements for their program here.
You can also learn more about LHP’s benefits and premium rates by visiting their site or contacting them at the phone number listed below.
Louisiana Health Plan
P.O. Drawer 83880
Baton Rouge, LA 70884-3880
Phone: 800.736.0947 or 225.926.6245
http://www.lahealthplan.org/
LaCHIP – the state Children’s Health Insurance Program
LaCHIP provides health insurance coverage for children under age 19 whose families earn 200% of the federal poverty level or less .
LaCHIP
Phone: 1.877.2LaCHIP (1.877.252.2447)
http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/?id=119
Louisiana Senior Health Insurance Information Program(SHIIP)
SHIIP provides free one-on-one counseling for Medicare beneficiaries with questions about any aspect of Medicare, including the new Part D prescription drug benefit, or Medigap coverage.
Louisiana Senior Health Insurance Information Program
Phone: 800.259.5301
Email: aheumann@ldi.state.la.us
http://www.ldi.state.la.us/Health/SHIIP/index.htm
Medicaid
Medicaid is a government program designed to help the poor and indigent obtain health care services. Pregnant women and children under age 19 who meet certain income requirements may be eligible for Medicaid coverage, along with aged, blind, and disabled individuals. For more information about Louisiana’s Medicaid program, including eligibility requirements, contact Louisiana Medicaid at the number listed below.
Louisiana Medicaid
Phone: 888.544.7996
http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/page.asp?id=92&detail=4125
