LaCHIP (Louisiana Children's Health Insurance Program) covers uninsured children under age 19 in Louisiana whose families earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. In 2026, the program provides comprehensive, low-cost or no-cost health coverage to children in families earning up to 217% of the Federal Poverty Level, with an extended option called the LaCHIP Affordable Plan for families up to 250% FPL.
Louisiana is a Medicaid expansion state (expanded June 1, 2016), which means children below 212% FPL generally qualify for full Medicaid before reaching LaCHIP. Together, Medicaid and LaCHIP create a seamless coverage ladder for Louisiana children up to 250% FPL. This page covers the 2026 LaCHIP income limits by household size, the application process, required documents, and what to do if your child is denied. For national CHIP context, see the federal CHIP program overview at medicaid.gov.
Direct Answer: Does My Child Qualify for LaCHIP in Louisiana?
Yes, if your child is under age 19, lives in Louisiana, is currently uninsured, and your household income is at or below 217% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Level ($71,610/year for a family of four), your child qualifies for LaCHIP at no cost. Families between 218% and 250% FPL ($82,500/year for a family of four) may qualify for the LaCHIP Affordable Plan with a $50/month household premium. Louisiana processes applications year-round with no enrollment window.
LaCHIP Income Limits by Household Size (2026 Chart)
Louisiana LaCHIP income limits for 2026 are set at 217% of the Federal Poverty Level and took effect March 1, 2026 when the Louisiana Department of Health updated its Medicaid Eligibility Manual to reflect the new FPL guidelines from ASPE. Income is measured using MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income), which means the same income calculation methodology used for ACA marketplace subsidies applies here.
MAGI counts most taxable income: wages, self-employment income, Social Security benefits above the exemption threshold, rental income, and investment income. MAGI does NOT count child support received, SNAP/food stamp benefits, SSI payments, workers' compensation, or veterans' disability payments. Families near the LaCHIP income limit should calculate MAGI carefully because irregular income, self-employment, and seasonal work can shift totals across eligibility thresholds.
LaCHIP Affordable Plan (LAP) income limits by household size 2026 (218% to 250% FPL, Louisiana)| Household Size | LAP Upper Limit (250% FPL) | Monthly Limit | LAP Premium |
|---|
| 1 | $39,900/year | $3,325/month | $50/month |
| 2 | $54,100/year | $4,508/month | $50/month |
| 3 | $68,300/year | $5,692/month | $50/month |
| 4 | $82,500/year | $6,875/month | $50/month |
| 5 | $96,700/year | $8,058/month | $50/month |
| 6 | $110,900/year | $9,242/month | $50/month |
| Each add'l | +$14,200/year | +$1,183/month | $50/month |
LAP limits = 250% FPL using 2026 ASPE guidelines ($15,960 base, $5,680 increment). The $50/month premium applies to the entire household regardless of how many children are enrolled. Families above 250% FPL should explore healthcare.gov marketplace coverage.
Source: Louisiana Department of Health Medicaid Eligibility Manual 2026; ASPE 2026 HHS Poverty Guidelines
Is Louisiana a CHIP Expansion State?
Louisiana expanded its adult Medicaid program on June 1, 2016, making it one of 40 states plus DC that have adopted the ACA Medicaid expansion as of 2026. For children, Louisiana's coverage ladder works as follows: children under 212% FPL qualify for regular Louisiana Medicaid first, children between 212% and 217% FPL qualify for LaCHIP at no cost, and children between 218% and 250% FPL qualify for the LaCHIP Affordable Plan with the $50/month household premium.
Because Louisiana has expanded Medicaid, there is no coverage gap for low-income adults or children in Louisiana. A family earning just above 138% FPL does not fall into the ACA gap that affects the 10 non-expansion states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming). Louisiana families earning 139% to 250% FPL have access to either LaCHIP for their children or, for adults, subsidized marketplace plans through healthcare.gov.
What LaCHIP Covers for Louisiana Children
LaCHIP provides comprehensive coverage equivalent to a commercial insurance plan. Louisiana administers LaCHIP through managed care organizations (MCOs), meaning enrolled children choose or are assigned to a health plan that coordinates their care. Because CHIP is an ACA-covered program, LaCHIP plans must cover all pediatric essential health benefits.
- Preventive and well-child visits (EPSDT screenings required through age 21)
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
- Physician visits and specialist referrals
- Prescription drugs through the managed care plan formulary
- Emergency and urgent care, including emergency room visits
- Dental and vision care (pediatric dental and vision are mandatory CHIP benefits)
- Mental health and behavioral health services
- Lab work, imaging, and diagnostic services
How to Appeal a LaCHIP Denial in Louisiana
Louisiana Medicaid and LaCHIP applicants have the right to appeal any denial, termination, or reduction of benefits. Louisiana law requires the denial notice to arrive in writing, stating the specific reason for denial and explaining the applicant's appeal rights. Families have 90 days from the date on the denial notice to request a fair hearing.
To request a fair hearing in Louisiana, call the Bureau of Appeals at 1-888-342-6207 or submit a written request to the Louisiana Department of Health. During the appeal, if LaCHIP benefits were terminated or reduced (rather than initially denied), the child may continue receiving benefits while the appeal is pending, as long as the request is submitted within 10 days of the notice. If the internal appeal fails, families can escalate to an administrative law judge hearing.
Common Reasons Louisiana Families Miss LaCHIP Coverage
Louisiana LaCHIP covers roughly 460,000 children statewide, yet thousands of eligible children remain uninsured each year because families do not know the program exists or assume their income is too high. Three patterns account for most enrollment gaps.
- Assuming the family earns too much: Many families earning $60,000 to $70,000 for a household of four assume CHIP is not for them. At 217% FPL, a Louisiana family of four earning up to $71,610/year in 2026 qualifies for free LaCHIP.
- Missing the retroactive window: LaCHIP can be applied retroactively for up to three months before the application date. Families who delay applying lose the chance to offset medical bills already incurred.
- Employer plan confusion: Some families receive an offer of employer-sponsored coverage they cannot afford the premiums on, and assume that offering blocks LaCHIP. Louisiana uses a 3-month waiting period rule for employer-sponsored insurance: if the child had employer-sponsored coverage in the last 3 months, a waiting period may apply unless the prior coverage was lost involuntarily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for LaCHIP in Louisiana 2026 for a family of 4?
The 2026 LaCHIP income limit for a family of four in Louisiana is $71,610/year ($5,968/month), which equals 217% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Level. Families between $71,611 and $82,500/year for a household of four may qualify for the LaCHIP Affordable Plan with a $50/month household premium. Both limits are based on MAGI income and became effective March 1, 2026.
How old does a child need to be to qualify for LaCHIP?
LaCHIP covers children under age 19 (meaning through their 18th birthday). There is no minimum age: newborns and infants qualify. Once a child turns 19, they age out of LaCHIP. If the family earns at or below 138% FPL, the 19-year-old may qualify for Louisiana Medicaid expansion. If income is higher, they should check marketplace coverage options at healthcare.gov.
What counts as income for LaCHIP eligibility in Louisiana?
LaCHIP uses MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income), which includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security benefits above the exemption threshold, rental income, and investment income. MAGI does not count child support received, SNAP benefits, SSI payments, workers' compensation, or veterans' disability payments. Louisiana counts projected annual household income, so seasonal or variable earners should report their expected annual total.
What documents do I need to apply for LaCHIP in Louisiana?
You need the child's proof of age (birth certificate or hospital record), proof of Louisiana residency (utility bill or lease), income documentation (last 30 days of pay stubs or most recent tax return), Social Security numbers for the child and household members, and proof that the child is currently uninsured. Immunization records are recommended but not required.
What is the LaCHIP Affordable Plan (LAP)?
The LaCHIP Affordable Plan (LAP) is Louisiana's CHIP option for families earning between 218% and 250% FPL ($71,611 to $82,500/year for a family of four in 2026). LAP provides the same comprehensive benefits as standard LaCHIP but charges a $50/month premium per household regardless of how many children are enrolled. LAP uses the same application process as LaCHIP.
Is Louisiana a CHIP expansion state?
Louisiana is a Medicaid expansion state (expanded June 1, 2016) and covers children up to 250% FPL through the combined Medicaid/CHIP ladder. Children under 212% FPL qualify for regular Louisiana Medicaid. Children from 212% to 217% FPL qualify for LaCHIP at no cost. Children from 218% to 250% FPL qualify for the LaCHIP Affordable Plan. There is no coverage gap for children in Louisiana.
How long does the LaCHIP application take in Louisiana?
Louisiana Medicaid and LaCHIP applications take up to 45 days to process. If the child appears eligible based on self-attestation, provisional coverage may begin while the application is reviewed. LaCHIP coverage can also be retroactive up to three months before the application date, meaning it can cover medical bills already incurred before approval.
What if my child is denied LaCHIP in Louisiana?
If LaCHIP denies your child's application, you have 90 days from the denial date to request a fair hearing by calling Louisiana Medicaid at 1-888-342-6207. The denial notice must state the specific reason in writing. Common denial reasons include the child already having insurance, income above 217% FPL (in which case check the LaCHIP Affordable Plan up to 250% FPL), or missing documents. If you believe the denial was an error, gather documentation and request a hearing.
