Louisiana Medicare Savings Program 2026: Income Limits and Guide
By Sharon Ben-Moshe · Founder & Editor
In Louisiana, Medicare Savings Programs operate under the Louisiana Department of Health through Healthy Louisiana. Louisiana eliminated the asset test for Medicare Savings Programs, allowing Medicare beneficiaries to protect their health care coverage without spending down lifetime savings or surrendering property.
Healthy Louisiana MSP income standards for 2026
Louisiana assesses applicants using federal poverty guideline percentage standards:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): Monthly income ceiling of $1,350 for an individual or $1,824 for a couple. Covers Medicare Part A premiums if required, Part B premiums, annual deductibles, and doctor coinsurance.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): Monthly income ceiling of $1,616 for an individual or $2,184 for a couple. Covers the monthly Part B premium.
- Qualifying Individual (QI): Monthly income ceiling of $1,816 for an individual or $2,455 for a couple. Covers the full Part B premium through federal block grant allocations.
No asset test in Louisiana
Louisiana does not count resources for QMB, SLMB, or QI applications. You do not need to disclose bank accounts, certificates of deposit, retirement holdings, or vehicles during the eligibility review. Approval depends entirely on gross monthly income minus standard deductions.
The $20 unearned income disregard
Louisiana caseworkers subtract a $20 unearned income disregard from your gross monthly retirement income. If a single individual receives $1,365 in monthly Social Security benefits, countable income is calculated as $1,345, qualifying for complete QMB coverage.
How to apply in Louisiana
- Gather your proof of monthly income, including your Social Security benefit statement and any pension or annuity stubs.
- Submit an online application through the Louisiana Department of Health Self-Service Portal.
- Or apply by phone through the Medicaid customer service center or mail a paper application to the Medicaid processing office.
- Test your eligibility tier with our free MSP qualification tool.
To review how states without asset tests simplify the enrollment process, read our guide on no asset test MSP states and review official Louisiana Medicaid rules.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Louisiana count assets for Medicare Savings Programs?
No. Louisiana eliminated resource testing for all three MSP tiers. Caseworkers do not check your bank accounts or retirement savings.
Does QMB in Louisiana pay for hospital deductibles?
Yes. QMB covers the Medicare Part A hospital deductible, hospital coinsurance, and Part B physician fees for covered services.
How does the state pay my Medicare Part B premium?
Louisiana coordinates with the Social Security Administration through a state buy-in agreement. Once approved, deductions from your monthly check stop.
Can I receive retroactive coverage in Louisiana?
Yes. For SLMB and QI, Louisiana can backdate benefits up to three months before your application month if you met income criteria during that period.
Your next steps
Check if you qualify for Medicare Savings
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