Louisiana Medicaid Income Limits

Updated August 2026

Louisiana uses MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) methodology for most eligibility groups. MAGI-based groups have no asset test — savings, vehicles, and home equity are not counted. Non-MAGI groups (seniors, people with disabilities) face both income and asset limits. Figures below reflect LDH's Monthly Income Limits for Medicaid Programs chart, effective March 1, 2026.

Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016 — adults at or below 138% FPL now qualify for full Healthy Louisiana coverage

Louisiana's 2016 Medicaid expansion under the ACA opened coverage to working-age adults at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a single individual, 138% FPL equals approximately $22,032 annually or $1,836/month, per LDH's Monthly Income Limits chart effective March 1, 2026. Verify current dollar amounts at ldh.la.gov/medicaid, as figures update annually when the federal poverty level changes.

Healthy Louisiana income limits by coverage group (2026)

Coverage group	FPL %	Approximate monthly limit (1 person)
Adults ages 19–64 (ACA expansion)	138%	$1,836/mo
Parents/caretaker relatives (non-expansion pathway)	~19%	Well below the expansion group; most parents qualify through the 138% expansion group instead
Children — LaCHIP (Medicaid)	Up to ~217%	$2,887/mo (household of 1)
LaCHIP Affordable Plan (CHIP) — children above the LaCHIP limit	~218%–255%	$3,392/mo (household of 1)
Pregnant women (LaMOMS)	138%	Same FPL % as other adults; 12 months postpartum coverage
Seniors age 65+ / Aged, Blind, Disabled	SSI-linked	Asset test applies; income limits vary
Nursing facility / HCBS waivers	300% FBR	$2,982/mo individual (2026)

Adults ages 19–64 (ACA expansion)

FPL %: 138%
Approximate monthly limit (1 person): $1,836/mo

Parents/caretaker relatives (non-expansion pathway)

FPL %: ~19%
Approximate monthly limit (1 person): Well below the expansion group; most parents qualify through the 138% expansion group instead

Children — LaCHIP (Medicaid)

FPL %: Up to ~217%
Approximate monthly limit (1 person): $2,887/mo (household of 1)

LaCHIP Affordable Plan (CHIP) — children above the LaCHIP limit

FPL %: ~218%–255%
Approximate monthly limit (1 person): $3,392/mo (household of 1)

Pregnant women (LaMOMS)

FPL %: 138%
Approximate monthly limit (1 person): Same FPL % as other adults; 12 months postpartum coverage

Seniors age 65+ / Aged, Blind, Disabled

FPL %: SSI-linked
Approximate monthly limit (1 person): Asset test applies; income limits vary

Nursing facility / HCBS waivers

FPL %: 300% FBR
Approximate monthly limit (1 person): $2,982/mo individual (2026)

No asset test for expansion and MAGI-based coverage

Louisiana's expansion group and all MAGI-based groups have no asset test. This means a single adult earning below 138% FPL who has savings, a car, or a home can still qualify for Healthy Louisiana coverage. The income test is the only financial criterion for these groups.

Seniors and people who are blind or disabled who apply for non-MAGI based Medicaid (SSI-linked coverage) do face asset limits — generally $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. The primary home, one vehicle, and most personal property are excluded from the asset count.

Pregnant women: 138% FPL and 12 months postpartum

Louisiana covers pregnant women through the LaMOMS program at up to 138% FPL — the same percentage used for other adults, unlike most states, which set a higher threshold for pregnant women. A pregnant applicant counts as two household members for the income calculation, which effectively raises the qualifying income compared to a single non-pregnant adult. Postpartum coverage extends for 12 months after delivery — a policy that matches the federal mandate that took effect in 2022 under the American Rescue Plan. This means a woman who gives birth remains covered by Healthy Louisiana for one full year after delivery, regardless of her income at that time.

Extended postpartum coverage matters: maternal mortality in Louisiana has historically been among the highest in the country, and loss of coverage in the weeks or months after birth is a documented risk factor. The 12-month postpartum benefit helps address this gap.

What counts as income for MAGI purposes

MAGI includes wages, self-employment income, unemployment compensation, Social Security benefits (for most household members), retirement income, and rental income. It excludes child support received, student financial aid loans, gifts, and certain other types of income. Louisiana uses MAGI to determine eligibility for the expansion group, children, and pregnant women. Your MCO does not recalculate income — LDH and DCFS make the eligibility determination before enrollment.