Louisiana Medicaid income limits depend on household size and which program you're looking at

Louisiana sets different income thresholds for different Medicaid programs. For most adults, the limit is 138% of the federal poverty level — meaning a single person can earn up to roughly $1,900 per month and still be considered for coverage. For a family of three, the limit is around $4,000 per month. These figures change each year when the federal poverty level updates, usually in January.

The exact number that matters for your household depends on whether you're applying for standard Medicaid, Medicaid for parents and caregivers, or a program for elderly or disabled people. Each has its own income rule. Louisiana also runs a program called Medicaid expansion that covers adults aged 19 to 64 with no children at home — this one uses the 138% threshold.

Income is counted before taxes. It includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support you receive. Some income doesn't count — for example, the first $65 per month of earned income is usually excluded, and certain types of assistance are not counted at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Louisiana Medicaid limits are based on federal poverty levels and change each January when those levels update.
  • A single adult can earn roughly $1,900 per month; a family of three around $4,000 per month under the expansion program.
  • Different Medicaid programs have different income rules — parents, elderly people, and disabled people may have higher limits.
  • Income is counted before taxes and includes wages, benefits, and child support, though some income types are excluded.
  • The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) determines your income and whether you meet the limit.

How Louisiana counts your household income

When you report income to Louisiana Medicaid, the state counts everyone living in your home who is related to you or claimed as a dependent on your taxes. A spouse's income counts. Adult children living at home count. Foster children in your care count. Unrelated roommates do not count, even if they pay rent.

The state looks at your gross income — what you earn before deductions. If you're self-employed, they count your net profit after business expenses. If you receive Social Security, unemployment, or workers' compensation, those amounts count in full. If you receive child support or spousal support, that counts too.

Some income is excluded from the count. The first $65 per month of your earned income (wages or self-employment) is not counted. If you're over 65 or blind, an additional $20 per month is excluded. Certain types of assistance — like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for some people, or certain tribal payments — may not count, depending on your situation.

Income limits for different Louisiana Medicaid programs

Louisiana runs several Medicaid programs, and each has its own income rule. The Medicaid expansion program covers adults aged 19 to 64 with no dependent children. The income limit is 138% of federal poverty level. For 2024, that means a single person can earn up to about $1,900 per month.

Medicaid for parents and caregivers has a lower limit — around 24% of federal poverty level in Louisiana, which is roughly $350 per month for a single parent. This program is much more restrictive and covers fewer people. If you have children at home, you may be able to use the expansion program instead, which has a much higher limit.

Medicaid for elderly and disabled people uses a different calculation. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your Medicaid is usually automatic. If you don't receive SSI but are disabled or over 65, Louisiana may cover you under a program with an income limit around $1,150 per month for a single person, though this varies based on resources and other factors.

Medicaid for children has its own limit, which is higher than the adult limit — children can be covered at up to 317% of federal poverty level in Louisiana, meaning a family with children may be covered even if the adults in the home are not.

What happens if your income is just above the limit

If your income is slightly over the limit, you may still have options. Some people can reduce their countable income by claiming deductions that Louisiana recognizes — for example, if you pay child support to someone outside your home, that amount is subtracted from your income before the limit is checked.

If you're self-employed, business expenses reduce your net income. If you have medical expenses that are very high, some programs allow you to "spend down" — meaning you can use your excess income to pay medical bills, and then become may be able to access. This option is available for elderly and disabled people in particular.

If you're just slightly over the limit and don't may have access to for Medicaid, you may be able to purchase coverage through the Louisiana health insurance marketplace at Healthcare.gov. You may also be able to get a tax credit to help pay the premium, depending on your exact income.

How to report your income to Louisiana Medicaid

You report your income when you apply for Medicaid through the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can apply online through the Louisiana Medicaid website, by mail, or in person at a local DCFS office. When you apply, you'll need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income.

If your income changes after you're approved, you must report the change within 30 days. If you get a raise, lose a job, or have any other change in household income, contact DCFS. If you don't report a change and your income is now above the limit, your coverage may be ended and you could be asked to repay benefits you received while ineligible.

Louisiana also conducts a yearly renewal where they ask you to confirm your income and household information. You'll receive a notice in the mail asking you to renew. If you don't respond by the deadline, your coverage will end, even if you still meet the income limit.

Income limits change each year

The federal poverty level — which Louisiana uses to set Medicaid income limits — changes every January. When it does, Louisiana's limits go up. The state usually updates its Medicaid income limits in January as well, though the exact timing can vary.

If you were denied Medicaid in the past because your income was too high, it's worth checking again the following January. Your income may not have changed, but the limit may have gone up enough to cover you. You can contact DCFS or check the Louisiana Medicaid website to see the current year's limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my spouse's income count if we're married but file taxes separately?

Yes. Louisiana counts a spouse's income regardless of how you file taxes. If you're married and living together, your spouse's income is included in the household total for Medicaid purposes, even if you file separate tax returns.

If I get a bonus or tax refund, does that count as income?

A bonus counts as earned income in the month you receive it. A tax refund does not count as income — it's considered a return of money you already earned. However, if the bonus pushes your monthly income over the limit, you could lose coverage that month.

What if I'm unemployed and receiving unemployment benefits?

Unemployment benefits count as income. The full amount you receive each week counts toward your monthly total. If your unemployment benefits plus any other income exceed the limit, you won't meet the income requirement for Medicaid.

Can I reduce my countable income by paying child support?

Yes. If you pay child support to someone outside your household, that amount is subtracted from your gross income before Louisiana checks it against the limit. You'll need to provide proof of the child support obligation, such as a court order or payment records.

What if my income varies month to month because I'm self-employed?

Louisiana looks at your average income over the past three months, or your expected income for the next three months, whichever is more recent. If your income is seasonal or unpredictable, report what you expect to earn on average. If you earn less than expected, report the change.