Exploring Health Insurance Options Beyond Medicare in Louisiana
Medicare provides vital health coverage for many people, but sometimes it isn’t enough. Some Louisiana residents may need more coverage or different options. So, what can you do? You can explore other health insurance plans. Options include Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans, Medicaid, and private insurance.
Navigating health insurance options can be confusing. Many people wonder: What’s the best health insurance plan? How do I enroll in Medicare? What are my coverage options? These are important questions, and the answers depend on your individual health insurance needs. Whether you are looking for an individual and family health plan, group health insurance, or an alternative to Original Medicare, understanding your options is the first step.
If you need expert advice, contact Bourgeois Insurance at (985) 803-8999 in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace Plans
Eligibility and Enrollment
Who qualifies?
People who don’t have Medicare
Residents of Louisiana
U.S. citizens or lawfully present individuals
When can you enroll?
Open enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15
Special enrollment periods apply if you have a big life change (like losing a job, getting married, or having a baby)
The Louisiana Health Insurance Marketplace is where residents can shop for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans. These private health insurance plans meet ACA standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage, including prescription drug coverage, preventive care, and emergency services.
Financial Assistance
Can you get help paying for coverage?
Premium subsidies: Lower your monthly cost if your income qualifies
Cost-sharing reductions: Available for Silver plans to help with out-of-pocket costs
People who need affordable health insurance in Louisiana should check if they qualify for subsidies. Some insurance companies offer Bronze plans, which have lower premiums but higher deductibles, while Silver and Gold plans provide more coverage for medical expenses.
Medicaid and CHIP
Eligibility
Medicaid: This state and federal program helps people with low income. If your income is up to 138% of the federal poverty level, you might qualify.
CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program): Covers kids in families who earn too much for Medicaid but still need affordable coverage.
Medicaid provides a health plan that includes medical insurance, hospital coverage, and more. Medicare and Medicaid serve different groups, but some people qualify for both programs.
Benefits
Medicaid and CHIP provide comprehensive health coverage, including:
Doctor visits
Hospital care
Well-child visits
Pregnancy care
Mental health services
If you think you qualify, it’s worth checking out your Medicaid and CHIP options. You may also consider a Medicare Supplement (Medigap plan) if you need extra coverage.
Private Health Insurance Options
Individual and Family Plans
ACA-Compliant Plans: Companies like UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana offer full-coverage plans outside of Medicare.
Short-Term Plans: Need temporary coverage? Short-term plans fill gaps but don’t provide the same protections as ACA plans.
People not yet eligible for Medicare or who delay signing up for Medicare at age 65 might consider private health insurance plans. Some Louisiana residents get group health insurance through an employer or union coverage.
Supplemental Insurance
Some people add extra coverage to help with costs Medicare or private plans don’t cover:
Dental and vision insurance: Covers eye exams, glasses, dental cleanings, and more
Hospital indemnity insurance: Pays cash benefits for hospital stays
These options help those needing additional health insurance coverage beyond standard insurance options.
Medicare Advantage and Other Options
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage (Part C) combines Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) into one plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans include:
Dental, vision, and hearing coverage
Prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D)
Extra wellness benefits
But be aware—these plans include network restrictions, meaning you may need to use in-network doctors.
If you are eligible for Medicare at age 65, compare Medicare Advantage plans with Original Medicare coverage to see what works best for you. Some Medicare Advantage plans include fitness benefits and transportation services.
Employer-Sponsored Plans
Still working? If your employer offers health insurance, you may have access to a group health insurance plan.
Already on Medicare? Some employer plans work alongside Medicare, while others replace it. Be sure to check how they coordinate with Medicare Part A and Part B.
If you have spouse’s plan coverage, compare its benefits with Medicare plan options before deciding whether to sign up for Medicare.
Conclusion
Finding the right health insurance plan in Louisiana depends on your needs. Original Medicare may not cover everything, but options like ACA plans, Medicaid, private health insurance, and Medicare Advantage can help.
People needing health coverage in Louisiana should review their insurance plan annually to make sure it still fits their needs. Changes in 2024 and 2025 may affect plan benefits, part B premiums, and deductibles.
Call Us
Don’t wait to secure the best health insurance in Louisiana for your needs. Call Bourgeois Insurance at (985) 803-8999 today to explore your plan options and get expert advice on health insurance coverage.
