Last verified 2026-08-08

Louisiana Medicaid: 2026 Income Limits and Moving In or Out

Moving TO Louisiana

Healthy Louisiana (Louisiana's Medicaid program) does not accept transferred cases from other states: every new Louisiana resident applies fresh through Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). There is no waiting period tied to how recently you arrived — eligibility is decided on Louisiana's own income and household rules from the day you become a resident.

Leaving Louisiana

Leaving Louisiana ends your Healthy Louisiana (Louisiana's Medicaid program) case — no state will take it over. Close the case with Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) effective your move month, then apply in your destination state immediately after arriving.

Official agency: Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) ↗ (application page)

Louisiana Medicaid at a glance

Program name	Healthy Louisiana
ACA Medicaid expansion	Yes — adults covered on income
Adult income limit	138% of the federal poverty level
Processing	Federal 45-day standard; LDH says online applications can receive eligibility determinations within minutes in some cases (90 days if a disability decision is needed)

Louisiana Medicaid income limits for adults (2026)

Louisiana expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify without fitting a category such as disability or pregnancy. Federal law (Public Law 119-21) adds a work condition for most of these adults from January 1, 2027 (earlier in some states, and later only in a state granted an extension, which cannot run past 2028): they must show 80 hours a month of work, school, job training, or community service, unless they are exempt (for example, parents of a child 13 or under, pregnant people, and people with a disability). New applicants may have to show it for 1 to 3 consecutive months immediately preceding the month they apply.

Household size	Monthly income limit	Yearly income limit
1 person	$1,836	$22,025
2 people	$2,489	$29,864
3 people	$3,142	$37,702
4 people	$3,795	$45,540
5 people	$4,449	$53,379
6 people	$5,102	$61,217
7 people	$5,755	$69,056
8 people	$6,408	$76,894
Each additional person	+$654	+$7,839

Computed as 138% of the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines (48 contiguous states and DC), rounded up to the dollar. Louisiana's own chart controls, and states often switch to the new year's guidelines partway through the year — so the agency's chart may still show lower 2025 figures.
The adult limit counts income under MAGI (modified adjusted gross income) rules. Children and pregnant people usually have higher limits; people 65+ or with a disability are assessed under different, non-MAGI rules that often include an asset test — ask the agency below.

Federal source: HHS 2026 Poverty Guidelines (91 FR 1797) (published 2026-01-15)

How to apply for Medicaid in Louisiana

Apply with Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) online at mymedicaid.la.gov, which runs the program as Healthy Louisiana. Go to the official application page ↗

Processing time: Federal 45-day standard; LDH says online applications can receive eligibility determinations within minutes in some cases (90 days if a disability decision is needed).

Moving with more than one benefit? The relocation checklist orders every step for your move.

Common questions

What is the Medicaid income limit in Louisiana for 2026?

For adults, 138% of the federal poverty level: about $1,836 a month for one person and $3,795 a month for a family of four in 2026. Children, pregnant people, and people 65+ or with a disability have separate limits.

Can I keep Louisiana Medicaid if I move to another state?

No. Medicaid covers residents only, so Louisiana coverage ends once you live elsewhere. Report the move to Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and apply in your new state right away; eligibility there is decided on that state's own rules.

How do I apply for Medicaid in Louisiana?

Apply with Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) online at mymedicaid.la.gov, which runs the program as Healthy Louisiana. Processing time: federal 45-day standard; LDH says online applications can receive eligibility determinations within minutes in some cases (90 days if a disability decision is needed).

Who runs Medicaid in Louisiana?

Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), which runs the program as Healthy Louisiana. The official page and application link are cited below — always act through them.

Does Louisiana make new residents wait for Medicaid?

No state may impose a residency waiting period for Medicaid. You apply as soon as you live in Louisiana; eligibility is decided on Louisiana's own rules.