Louisiana Health Insurance: 2023 Coverage Guide

Louisiana Affordable Healthcare Insurance

People in Louisiana can begin buying health insurance now through August 15, 2021 and again in November, but there are a few things you need to do first to make sure you’re buying the right health plan. After you square away the paperwork, you’ll then need to compare health insurance quotes to make sure you’re getting the best value. Remember to enroll during the open enrollment period because unless you have a qualifying event, you may have to wait another year to buy insurance if you miss the deadline.

When Is Open Enrollment in Louisiana?

November 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023

How to Get Health Insurance in Louisiana

Figure out how much insurance you’ll need for the following year based on how often you saw doctors the previous year. You’ll need this sort of information to decide which type of coverage is right for you, and which will save you the most money. If you buy the cheapest plan available but see your doctors several times a month, you’re spending more money than you would with a plan with a higher monthly cost. Consider the deductible, copay and coinsurance when you compare prices on plans.

Before you buy, compare health insurance companies and health insurance quotes. After you submit a questionnaire with SmartFinancial, you’ll be paired with an agent in your area so you can ask questions about the plans you’re considering.

What Types of Health Insurance Are Available in Louisiana?

HMOs, EPOs, PPOs and POS plans are available in Louisiana.

Does Health Insurance Cover Pre-existing Conditions?

It is no longer legal for a marketplace health insurance carrier to deny anyone health insurance coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

Do I Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?

Common reasons people qualify for a special enrollment period:

• You may have lost a job, changed jobs or even started your own business.
• You turned 26 and can’t stay on a parent’s health plan any longer.
• You moved to out of state or out of a coverage area.
• Your Cobra extension ended.
• Divorce caused you to lose coverage.
• Marriage allows you to add a spouse to your coverage or be added to your spouse’s plan. You may also elect to buy a new plan together.
• The birth or adoption of a child allows parents a year during which they may buy that child a new health insurance plan.
• Death or spouse or partner may cause you to lose coverage, but you can buy another plan.
• When a spouse or partner loses coverage due to a qualifying event and you lose shared coverage, you can buy a new plan separately or together.

Is Health Insurance Required in Louisiana?

No, only California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont, Rhode Island, and DC apply a tax penalty to uninsured individuals. Even though Louisiana residents are not required to buy health insurance, doing so may help you avoid medical bankruptcy.

How Much Is Health Insurance in Louisiana?

The average cost of health insurance in Louisiana for a 40 year old is about $596 a month. Health insurance is less expensive, the younger you are. Tobacco use increases health insurance rates.

How to Save on Health Insurance in Louisiana

The best way to save on health insurance in Kansas is to compare rates based on the tier system. Beforehand, you’ll want to estimate your medical costs, as instructed at the top.

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Medicare in Louisiana

Medicare is health insurance coverage for Americans ages 65 years and older. The government also allows younger people with disabilities to enroll in the program. Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (a permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant) can also sign up as can some individuals with severe mental health issues. Others who qualify for Medicare disability coverage are individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Most beneficiaries will receive Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Some people buy Medicare Advantage, which includes Part A and B as well as offering vision, dental and prescription drug coverage.

How Many People Are on Medicare in Louisiana?

19% of Louisiana residents are insured through Medicare.

How Much Is Medicare in Louisiana?

People who do not qualify for Medicare can buy it for $499 a month for Part A in 2022 and a standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B was $177.10, or even higher depending on income.

Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage: What’s the Difference?

Medicare is a government subsidized health plan that is available to qualified Americans age 65 and older. Medicare Advantage is sold through private health insurance companies, but these policies are also regulated by the government. Medicare Advantage plans offer the same benefits as Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare Advantage plans also offer more coverage for dental, vision, hearing and prescription drugs. Medicare Advantage plans have a maximum out-of-pocket limit. For 2022, it was $7,550 but many plans set their maximums at a much lower cost. That is why it’s important to compare companies. People who opt for original Medicare can buy Medicare Supplements to help with out-of-pocket costs. You cannot buy both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan during open enrollment, you will automatically be disenrolled from original Medicare.

How to Get Medicare Coverage in Louisiana

If you receive social security payments, you may automatically enroll in Medicare, but you may have to sign up if you do not receive payments. The easiest way to enroll in Medicare is by working with a trusted insurance agent to get the coverages you want. Just enter your zip code and answer a few simple questions.

Types of Medicare Plans Available

Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Cost Plans (only offered in certain areas), Demonstration/Pilot Programs (also called Research Studies; only offered in certain areas) and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

How Do I Qualify for Medicare?

To qualify for Medicare you must be a citizen of the U.S. or have been a legal resident for at least five years. If you are age 65 or older and you/your spouse have worked for at least 10 years (40 quarters) or you have a disability, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), you most likely qualify for Medicare.

How Can I Save on Medicare in Louisiana?

You can save on Medicare by signing up for Part B as soon as you’re eligible. People who enroll late must pay a penalty every year. If you’re interested in buying Medicare Advantage, you can shop and compare Medicare plans for the best value.

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Louisiana State Health System Ranking

Ever wonder how your state stacks up when it comes to quality healthcare? The Commonwealth Fund published a report in 2020 on State Health System Performance. They took into consideration the access to quality care, health outcomes, and disparities in all 50 states. The scores for the Louisiana Health System are listed below:

• Louisiana: Overall Ranking: 44 of 51
• Louisiana: Overall Performance: Below U.S. Average
• Louisiana: Access and Affordability: 40
• Louisiana: Prevention and Treatment: 44
• Louisiana: Avoidable Hospital Use and Cost: 48
• Louisiana: Healthy Lives: 46
• Louisiana: Health Care Disparities: 28

Louisiana Health Insurance Coverage

The people of Louisiana have different kinds of health insurance while some Louisiana residents are not insured at all. See the breakdown below:

• Private coverage: 43%
• Medicaid: 28%
• Medicare: 19%
• Uninsured: 10%

Report: America's Health Insurance Plans

Louisiana Health Insurance Companies

• Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc.
• United Healthcare Services, Inc. (Louisiana)
• UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (Louisiana)
• Vantage Health Plan, Inc.
• Aetna Life Insurance Company (Louisiana)
• Christus Health Plan
• Citna Health and Life Insurance Company - Louisiana
• Aetna Health Inc. (Coventry Health Care of Louisiana)
• Compass Rose Health Plan