CHIP in Louisiana

Louisiana at a glance

Louisiana is home to about 224,537 foreign-born residents (4.9% of the state’s 4,611,961 people) and 332,716 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (7.2%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Louisiana regardless of immigration status unless noted.

CHIP covers health insurance for uninsured children from families earning too much for Medicaid but unable to afford private insurance.

CHIP eligibility limits in Louisiana (verified data)

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — CHIP data by state

Verified on: 2026-05-25

Children’s health coverage in Louisiana

Child ageMedicaid (% FPL)
Infants 0-1 yearup to 142% FPL
Children 1-5 yearsup to 142% FPL
Children 6-18 yearsup to 142% FPL

CHIP upper income limit in Louisiana: 255% of FPL

CHIP-funded prenatal coverage (conception to end of pregnancy): up to 214% of FPL

How to apply for CHIP in Louisiana

  1. Combined Medicaid+CHIP application via healthcare.gov
  2. Louisiana state application (some states have own portal)
  3. By phone: 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669)

Louisiana adopted CHIPRA Option

Louisiana adopted the CHIPRA option, eliminating the 5-year bar for permanent-resident children. This means a child with a new green card (under 5 years in US) can qualify for CHIP in Louisiana without waiting.

How to apply for CHIP in Louisiana

  1. Visit Healthcare.gov or Louisiana’s Medicaid/CHIP portal
  2. Complete the application — ONE application covers both Medicaid AND CHIP automatically
  3. Louisiana determines if your child qualifies for one or the other

Typical coverage

CHIP covers: doctor visits, vaccines, hospitalization, dental, vision, prescriptions, mental health.

Income limits

Generally 200-300% federal poverty level. For family of 4: ~$60,000-$90,000/year.

Costs

CHIP has very low co-pays (sometimes $0) and low monthly premiums ($0-$50/month).

Last verified: 2026-06-15.