Louisiana Medicaid Income Limits 2023 | Medicaid Eligibility Income Limits Louisiana

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Louisiana Medicaid Income Limits 2023 : The Louisiana Medicaid Program is a federally funded program, which provides health coverage to Louisiana residents, within certain groups, based on income and resource limits set by Congress. Medicaid provides a complete package of medical coverage for those who qualify. Generally, eligible recipients of benefits include low income individuals, low income families with children, low-income elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Persons who are entitled to Medicare Part A and/or Part B are also eligible. Mandatory medical services included under Medicaid are: inpatient and outpatient hospital services; physician services; laboratory and x-ray services; long-term care facilities (nursing homes); family planning; services for early periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment (EPSDT) of those under age 21.

To receive benefits, you must complete an application. We will make a decision and you will be notified within 45 days (with some exceptions) after you apply. If your application is based on disability, it may take up to 90 days. Coverage can start as early as 3 months before the month you apply. This is why you should get this form to us as soon as you can.

Table of Contents

Monthly Income limits for Louisiana Medicaid Programs

2023 Program Limits by Family Size Effective 3/1/2023

Program	Family Size/Monthly Income Limits
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Family Opportunity Act – for children with disabilities	$3,645	$4,930	$6,215	$7,500	$8,785	$10,070	$11,355	$12,640
LaCHIP – for children	$2,637	$3,567	$4,496	$5,425	$6,355	$7,284	$8,214	$9,143
LaCHIP Affordable Plan – for children	$3,099	$4,191	$5,283	$6,375	$7,468	$8,560	$9,652	$10,744
LaMOMS – for pregnant women		$2,268	$2,895	$3,450	$4,042	$4,633	$5,224	$5,815
Medicaid Purchase Plan – for workers with disabilities	$1,215	$1,644
Medicare Savings Program – for payment of Medicare premiums, copays & deductibles Medicare Savings Program – for payment of Part B premiums only	$1,215 $1,641	$1,644 $2,219
TAKE CHARGE PLUS – Family Planning Services	$1,677	$2,268	$2,859	$3,450	$4,042	$4,633	$5,224	$5,815
Adult Group (Medicaid Expansion) – ages 19 through 64 without Medicare	$1,677	$2,268	$2,859	$3,450	$4,042	$4,633	$5,224	$5,815

Do I qualify for Louisiana Medicaid Programs?

Medicaid eligibility is determined using the Federal Poverty Level income guidelines. Visit the Monthly Income Limits for Medicaid Programs page. In Louisiana, you qualify to receive Medicaid if you:

Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration (SSA)
Get financial help from the Office of Family Support (OFS) through the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP)

You may also qualify for Medicaid coverage if you:

Are disabled according to the Social Security Administration’s definition
Have corrected vision no better than 20/200
Are a low-income parent of children under age 19
Are a child under age 19
Are pregnant
Have no insurance and need treatment for breast and/or cervical cancer
Receive Medicare coverage and are low-income, or
Are aged 19 to 64 years old, have a household income less than 138% of the federal poverty level, doesn’t already qualify for Medicaid or Medicare, and meet citizenship requirement

How Do I Louisiana Medicaid Programs Apply?

Louisiana Medicaid Income Limits 2023 : There are several ways you can apply for Medicaid or get more information:

Apply now or renew coverage for any Medicaid program by visiting the Louisiana Medicaid Self-Service Portal (SSP). Once you submit the online application, it is sent immediately to the Medicaid office for processing, and there is no delay for mailing or faxing a paper form.
Call the Medicaid hotline toll free at 1.888.342.6207 for help applying. Agents are accepting calls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contact any Medicaid Application Center statewide.
Download and print a Medicaid application and then mail or fax it to Medicaid as directed on the form.
Contact your local Medicaid office for help applying.

Please click here to ask a question about any of the Medicaid programs.

What you need to do if you have health insurance through the Marketplace and get help paying your insurance premiums:

When you get Medicaid you MUST stop your Marketplace plan.
If you do not stop your Marketplace plan you may have to pay a penalty when you file your tax return next year.
Call 1-800 318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) right away. Tell them you have Medicaid and you want to stop your Marketplace health insurance.

Who is eligible for Louisiana Medicaid Program?

Louisiana Medicaid Income Limits 2023 : To be eligible for Louisiana Medicaid, you must be a resident of the state of Louisiana, a U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income. You must also be one of the following:

Pregnant, or
Be responsible for a child 18 years of age or younger, or
Blind, or
Have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or
Be 65 years of age or older.

Louisiana Medicaid Income Limits Eligibility 2023

Household Size*	Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1	$19,392
2	$26,228
3	$33,064
4	$39,900
5	$46,737
6	$53,573
7	$60,409
8	$67,245

*For households with more than eight people, add $6,836 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.

Louisiana Food Stamps Income Limit 2023

Louisiana Medicaid Income & Asset Limits for Eligibility

Each of the three Medicaid long-term care programs have varying financial and medical (functional) eligibility criteria. Financial requirements change annually, vary based on marital status, and is further complicated by the fact that Louisiana offers alternative pathways towards eligibility.

Simplified Eligibility Criteria: Single Applicant for Nursing Home Care : LA seniors must be financially and medically eligible for long-term care Medicaid. They must have limited income, limited assets, and a medical need for care. A single individual applying for Nursing Home Medicaid in 2023 in Louisiana must meet the following criteria: 1) Have income under $2,742 / month 2) Have assets under $2,000 3) Require the level of care provided in a nursing home facility.

The table below provides a quick reference to allow seniors to determine if they might be immediately eligible for long term care from a Louisiana Medicaid program. Alternatively, one can take the Medicaid Eligibility Test. IMPORTANT: Not meeting all of the criteria does not mean one is ineligible or cannot become eligible for Medicaid.

2023 Louisiana Medicaid Long-Term Care Eligibility for Seniors

what is the monthly income limit for medicaid in louisiana –

Type of Medicaid	Single			Married (both spouses applying)			Married (one spouse applying)
	Income Limit	Asset Limit	Level of Care Required	Income Limit	Asset Limit	Level of Care Required	Income Limit	Asset Limit	Level of Care Required
Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid	$2,742 / month*	$2,000	Nursing Home	$5,484 / month*	$3,000	Nursing Home	$2,742 / month for the applicant*	$2,000 for applicant & $148,620 for non-applicant	Nursing Home
Medicaid Waivers / Home and Community Based Services	$2,742 / month†	$2,000	Nursing Home	$5,484 / month†	$3,000	Nursing Home	$2,742 / month for applicant†	$2,000 for applicant & $148,620 for non-applicant	Nursing Home
Regular Medicaid / Aged Blind and Disabled	$914 / month	$2,000	Help with ADLs	$1,371 / month	$3,000	Help with ADLs	$1,371 / month	$3,000	Help with ADLs

*All of a beneficiary’s monthly income, with the exception of a Personal Needs Allowance of $38 / month, Medicare health premiums, and a Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance for a non-applicant spouse (if applicable), must be paid to the nursing home.

†Based on one’s living setting, a program beneficiary may not be able keep monthly income up to this level.

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Income Definition & Exceptions

Countable vs. Non-Countable Income | louisiana medicaid expansion 2023

Nearly all income that a Medicaid applicant receives is counted toward the income limit. This includes cash from family and friends, employment wages, alimony payments, pension payments, Social Security Disability Income, Social Security Income, IRA withdrawals, stock dividends, and Veteran’s benefits with the exception of Aid & Attendance and Housebound allowances. Holocaust restitution payments are another exception and do not count as income.

Treatment of Income for a Couple

When only one spouse of a married couple applies for Nursing Home Medicaid or a Medicaid Waiver, only the income of the applicant is counted. In other words, the non-applicant spouse’s income is disregarded. Additionally, the non-applicant may be entitled to a Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMNA) from their applicant spouse. The MMNA is the minimum amount of monthly income a non-applicant spouse is said to require to prevent spousal impoverishment.

In 2023, the MMNA in LA is $3,715.50 / month. If the non-applicant spouse has monthly income under this amount, income can be transferred to them from their applicant spouse, bringing their income up to this level. A non-applicant spouse who already has $3,715.50 / month or more in income is not entitled to a MMNA / spousal income allowance. The MMNA also effectively lowers the income of the applicant spouse for eligibility purposes.

Income is counted differently when only one spouse applies for Regular Medicaid / Aged Blind and Disabled; the income of both the applicant and non-applicant spouse is calculated towards the applicant’s income eligibility. Furthermore, there is no Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance for a non-applicant spouse. More on how Medicaid counts income.

Asset Definition & Exceptions

Countable vs. Non-Countable Assets

Countable assets are counted towards the asset limit. This includes cash, stocks, bonds, investments, bank accounts (credit union, savings, and checking), real estate in which one does not reside, IRAs and 401K’s, and any remaining funds from Covid-19 stimulus checks. There are also many exempt (non-countable) assets. Exemptions include personal belongings, household furnishings, an automobile, irrevocable burial trusts, life insurance policies (combined face value limit of $10,000), and generally one’s primary home.

Home Exemption Rules | louisiana medicaid expansion 2023

For the home to be exempt, the Medicaid applicant must live in it or have “Intent to Return”, and in 2023, have a home equity interest under $688,000. Home equity is the value of the home, minus any outstanding debt against it. Equity interest is the amount of home equity owned by the applicant. If a non-applicant spouse lives in the home, it is automatically exempt. There is no home equity limit for seniors applying for Regular Medicaid.

The home is not exempt from Medicaid’s Estate Recovery Program. Following a long-term care Medicaid beneficiary’s death, Louisiana’s Medicaid agency attempts reimbursement of care costs through whatever estate of the deceased still remains. This is often the home. Without proper planning strategies in place, the home will be used to reimburse Medicaid for providing care rather than going to family as inheritance.

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Treatment of Assets for a Couple | louisiana medicaid expansion 2023

All assets of a married couple are considered jointly owned. This is true regardless of the Medicaid program for which a senior applies and regardless of if one or both spouses are applicants. There is, however, a Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) that protects a larger amount of a couple’s countable assets for the non-applicant spouse of a Nursing Home Medicaid or Medicaid Waiver applicant. In 2023, this allows the non-applicant spouse to keep up to $148,620 of the couple’s assets. Note that there is no CSRA for a non-applicant spouse of a Regular Medicaid applicant.

Medicaid’s Look-Back Rule | louisiana medicaid expansion 2023

Louisiana has a 60-month Medicaid Look-Back Period for Nursing Home Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers that immediately precedes one’s application date. During which, Medicaid checks to ensure no assets were sold or given away under fair market value. This includes gifts to friends and family, as well as asset transfers made by one’s spouse. The Look-Back Rule is meant to discourage persons from gifting assets in order to meet Medicaid’s asset limit.

For persons who violate this rule, a Penalty Period of Medicaid ineligibility is established. Note that the Look-Back Rule does not apply to Regular Medicaid applicants and their spouses. The U.S. Federal Gift Tax Rule does not extend to Medicaid eligibility. In 2023, the Gift Tax Rule allows one to gift up to $17,000 per recipient without filing a gift tax return. Gifting under this rule violates Medicaid’s Look-Back Period.

Medical / Functional Need Requirements

An applicant must have a medical need for Medicaid long-term care. For Nursing Home Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers, a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC) is required. Furthermore, additional eligibility criteria may need to be met for some program benefits. For example, for a personal emergency response system, an inability to safely live at home without it may be required. For long-term care services via the Regular Medicaid program, a functional need with the Activities of Daily Living is required, but a NFLOC is not necessarily required.

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Qualifying When Over the Limits

Louisiana Medicaid Income Limits 2023 : Louisiana elderly residents (65 and over) who do not meet the financial eligibility requirements above can qualify for Medicaid in other ways.

Medically Needy Pathway – louisiana medicaid expansion 2023

Louisiana has a Medically Needy Program (MNP), also called a “Spend-Down” program, for seniors who have income over Medicaid’s income limit. This program allows persons with high medical bills relative to their monthly income to become income-eligible by spending “excess” income on medical expenses. In 2023, LA has a Medically Needy Income Eligibility Standard (MNIES) of $100 / month for an individual and $192 / month for a couple living in an urban area (East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Bernard Parishes). In rural areas, the MNIES is $92 / month for an individual and $167 / month for couples.

One’s “spend down” amount, which can be thought of as a deductible, is the difference between their monthly income and the MNIES. In LA, it is calculated for a 3-month period. Once one’s “spend down” has been met, they will be income-eligible for Medicaid benefits for the remainder of the period. The Medically Needy Asset Limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.

Asset Spend Down | louisiana medicaid expansion 2023

Applicants who have assets over Medicaid’s limit can still become asset eligible by “spending down” assets on non-countable ones. One way to do this is to make home modifications, such as adding wheelchair ramps or stair lifts, widening doorways for wheelchair access, and adding a first floor bedroom and / or bathroom.

One can also prepay funeral / burial expenses and pay off existing debt, such as one’s mortgage. Remember, assets cannot be gifted or sold under fair market value. Doing so violates Medicaid’s “Look-Back” Period” and can result in a Penalty Period of Medicaid ineligibility. When “spending down”, it is best to keep documentation of how assets were spent as evidence the Look-Back Period was not violated.

* Our Spend Down Calculator can assist persons in determining if they might have a spend down, and if so, provide an estimate of the amount.

Medicaid Planning | louisiana medicaid expansion 2023

The majority of persons considering Medicaid are “over-income” and / or “over-asset”, but they still cannot afford their cost of care. For these persons, Medicaid planning exists. By working with a Medicaid Planning Professional, families can employ a variety of strategies to help them become Medicaid eligible and to protect their home from Medicaid’s estate recovery program.

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Specific Louisiana Medicaid Programs

Louisiana Medicaid Income Limits 2023 : In addition to paying for nursing home care, Louisiana Medicaid offers the following programs relevant to the elderly that helps them to remain living at home, in adult foster care homes, or in assisted living residences.

Adult Day Care Waiver – Also called the Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) Waiver, this program provides adult day care for elderly and disabled Louisiana residents.

LT-PCS Program – The Long Term – Personal Care Services Program is an entitlement program through the state Medicaid plan. Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), such as bathing, grooming, mobility, eating, laundry, and shopping for essentials, is provided in one’s home.

Community Choices Waiver (CCW) – This waiver is intended for those who would require nursing home placement if not for the services available via this program. Benefits, such as respite care, adult day care, temporary skilled nursing, and assistive technology is available to those residing at home, in assisted living, or adult foster care.

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) – Through PACE, the benefits of Medicare and Medicaid, including long-term care, are available via one program.

How to Apply for Louisiana Medicaid

Persons can apply for Medicaid in Louisiana online at LA Medicaid / LaCHIP – Self Service Portal, by calling Medicaid customer service at 1-888-342-6207, or in person at a Medicaid Application Center. Since walk in applications are not accepted at all application centers, persons should first contact their local center. One’s local Area Agency on Aging office can provide assistance with the application process.

Prior to applying for Medicaid, it is imperative that Louisiana seniors be certain all eligibility requirements discussed above are met. If one is over the income and / or asset limit(s), or are unsure if they meet the eligibility criteria, Medicaid planning can be invaluable. The application process, which can be lengthy, is also complicated. Familiarizing oneself with general information about the application process for long-term care Medicaid can be helpful.

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Louisiana Medicaid Income Limits for 2023

Louisiana Medicaid is a vital program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families in the state. To ensure that Medicaid benefits reach those who need them most, income limits are established based on household size. In 2023, these income limits have been updated to reflect the changing economic landscape. Let’s delve into the Louisiana Medicaid income limits for 2023 according to the number of household members.

For Individuals:

If you are a single individual residing in Louisiana, you may be eligible for Medicaid if your annual income does not exceed $19,392. This income threshold ensures that even those with limited financial resources can access essential healthcare services.

For Two-Member Households:

For households consisting of two members, the maximum annual income limit is $26,228. This limit allows couples and small families to benefit from Medicaid coverage if their income falls within this range.

Three-Member Households:

Households with three members can qualify for Medicaid if their combined annual income does not surpass $33,064. This provision accommodates many families and provides crucial support to ensure access to medical care.

Four-Member Households:

Families with four members can still benefit from Medicaid assistance as long as their annual income remains under $39,900. This income limit is designed to encompass a significant portion of Louisiana households.

Five-Member Households:

In 2023, households with five members are eligible for Medicaid if their combined annual income does not exceed $46,737. This threshold acknowledges the financial demands that larger families face and provides them with the necessary healthcare safety net.

Six-Member Households:

Larger families, those with six members, can avail themselves of Medicaid coverage if their annual income stays below $53,573. This income limit recognizes the added financial responsibilities of larger households.

Seven-Member Households:

For families with seven members, the income limit is $60,409 per year. This ensures that even larger households have access to Medicaid support when needed.

Eight-Member Households:

The largest households, those with eight members, can benefit from Louisiana Medicaid in 2023 if their annual income does not surpass $67,245. This substantial income limit is in place to accommodate and assist extended families living together.

These income limits are crucial in ensuring that Medicaid reaches those who need it most while also promoting financial stability. They serve as a safety net for individuals and families across Louisiana, providing access to essential healthcare services. It’s important to note that these limits are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check for updates regularly if you or someone you know may be eligible for Louisiana Medicaid.

FAQ’s-Louisiana Medicaid Income Limits 2023

Q: What is the maximum annual income limit for a household with four members to qualify for Louisiana Medicaid in 2023?

Ans: The maximum annual income limit for a household with four members to qualify for Louisiana Medicaid in 2023 is $39,900.

Q: How many members must be in a household to be eligible for Louisiana Medicaid if their annual income is $46,737 in 2023?

Ans: A household with five members is eligible for Louisiana Medicaid in 2023 if their annual income is $46,737.

Q: What is the income limit for a single individual to qualify for Louisiana Medicaid in 2023?

Ans: The income limit for a single individual to qualify for Louisiana Medicaid in 2023 is $19,392 per year.

Q: If a household has six members, what is the maximum annual income they can have to be eligible for Louisiana Medicaid in 2023?

Ans: A household with six members can have a maximum annual income of $53,573 to be eligible for Louisiana Medicaid in 2023.

Q: What is the income threshold for a household of three members to qualify for Louisiana Medicaid in 2023?

Ans: The income threshold for a household of three members to qualify for Louisiana Medicaid in 2023 is $33,064 per year.

Q: How much can a household with eight members earn annually and still be eligible for Louisiana Medicaid in 2023?

Ans: A household with eight members can earn a maximum annual income of $67,245 and still be eligible for Louisiana Medicaid in 2023.

Q: What is the maximum income allowed for a two-member household to qualify for Louisiana Medicaid in 2023?

Ans: The maximum annual income allowed for a two-member household to qualify for Louisiana Medicaid in 2023 is $26,228.

Louisiana Medicaid Income Limits 2023 : In conclusion, understanding the Louisiana Medicaid income limits for 2023 is vital for anyone seeking healthcare coverage in the state. These income thresholds are designed to encompass a wide range of household sizes and financial situations, ultimately working to improve access to healthcare for all Louisianans in need.