Top Health Insurance Companies in Louisiana

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If you're looking for top-notch health insurance in Louisiana, you're in the right place. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is one of the most popular options, offering a wide range of plans to fit different budgets and needs.

With over 70 years of experience, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana has established itself as a trusted name in the state. They have a large network of providers, making it easy to find doctors and hospitals that accept their insurance.

Aetna is another well-known health insurance company in Louisiana, offering a variety of plans to individuals, families, and small businesses. They also have a large network of providers and offer a range of discounts and promotions.

UnitedHealthcare is a great option for those looking for affordable health insurance in Louisiana, with plans starting as low as $200 per month. They also offer a range of additional services, including dental and vision coverage.

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Top Health Insurance Companies

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In Louisiana, there are several health insurance companies that offer affordable plans. Ambetter from Louisiana Healthcare Connections is one of them.

You can also check out Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, CHRISTUS Health Plan Louisiana, and Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc. for affordable options.

A significant number of Louisiana Healthcare.gov enrollees, 59%, had access to $0 premium health plans.

Vantage Plan, Inc

Vantage Health Plan, Inc is a healthcare innovator that has been around since 1994. They are headquartered in Monroe, Louisiana, and have a headcount of 501-1000 employees. You can find them online at vantagehealthplan.com and on LinkedIn.

Vantage Health Plan strives to improve the quality of healthcare by proactively seeking opportunities to innovate. This goal is reflected in their commitment to providing high-quality health insurance plans to their customers.

If you're looking for a health insurance plan that covers essential health benefits, Vantage Health Plan may be a good option to consider. These plans cover doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital visits, and other critical services.

Here is a summary of Vantage Health Plan's key facts:

  • Website: vantagehealthplan.com
  • Headquarters: Monroe, Louisiana
  • Founded: 1994
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • LinkedIn

UnitedHealthcare ACA Marketplace Plans

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UnitedHealthcare ACA Marketplace Plans offer lower or $0 monthly premiums for many individuals and families, thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

To get started, you can call 1-800-273-8095 or use TTY 711 to talk to a licensed insurance agent. They'll guide you through the process of finding the right plan for your needs.

Every UnitedHealthcare ACA Marketplace Plan covers essential health benefits such as hospital visits, prescription drugs, preventive care, x-rays, and doctor office visits.

These plans also ensure that no one is denied insurance based on preexisting conditions, giving you peace of mind and access to the care you need.

Monthly Cost

The monthly cost of health insurance is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a plan. On average, residents of Louisiana can expect to pay between $300 to $600 per individual.

One thing to note is that the actual cost of health insurance can vary depending on a number of factors, including your age, gender, health status, location, and the type of plan you choose. This means that your monthly premium may be higher or lower than the average cost.

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According to eHealthInsurance.com, the average monthly premium for a major medical individual health insurance plan in Louisiana is $677. This is a significant expense, and it's essential to understand what factors contribute to this cost.

Here's a breakdown of the average monthly premiums for different types of health insurance plans in Louisiana, according to eHealthInsurance.com:

The cost of health insurance in Louisiana is influenced by various factors, including the state's high obesity rate. In 2018, Louisiana had a 35.9 percent obesity rate, which is the ninth highest in the nation. This may contribute to higher health insurance costs for residents.

Benefits

Essential health benefits are a must-have, covering hospital visits, prescription drugs, preventive care, x-rays, and doctor office visits.

These benefits ensure that you receive necessary care without breaking the bank. And the best part? No one is denied insurance based on preexisting conditions, thanks to the Affordable Care Act.

Some health plans, like Major Medical Plans, offer comprehensive coverage for a range of health services, providing maximum protection.

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Short-term health insurance plans, on the other hand, have limited benefits and limited coverage, typically not covering preexisting conditions.

Here are some key benefits of health insurance plans:

  • Hospital visits and prescription drugs are covered
  • Preventive care, such as check-ups and screenings, are included
  • Doctor office visits are part of the essential health benefits
  • No one is denied insurance based on preexisting conditions

Understanding Health Insurance

Under the Affordable Care Act, every insurance plan offers essential health benefits like hospital visits, prescription drugs, and doctor office visits. These benefits ensure that everyone has access to necessary care, regardless of their health status.

One of the key features of Affordable Care Act plans is that no one is denied insurance based on preexisting conditions. This means that people with chronic illnesses or ongoing medical needs can get the coverage they need without fear of being turned down.

If you're 65 or older, you'll want to consider your Medicare options. In Louisiana, you can choose between Original Medicare, which covers hospital services and medical services, or Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C.

Costs and Rate Factors

Louisiana residents spend an average of $7,815 every year on health care, slightly less than the national average.

Monthly health insurance premiums differ person to person, mainly based on factors.

In 2018, LA had a 35.9 percent obesity rate, the ninth highest rate in the nation.

A significant number of Louisianans, 38 percent, have a BMI in the obese range, which can impact health insurance costs.

Essential Benefits & Affordable Care

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When shopping for health insurance, it's essential to understand what's covered under each plan. Every insurance plan under the Affordable Care Act offers essential health benefits such as hospital visits, prescription drugs, preventive care, x-rays, and doctor office visits.

These essential benefits ensure that you receive necessary medical care without breaking the bank. The Affordable Care Act also ensures that no one is denied insurance based on preexisting conditions.

If you're looking for affordable options, you're in luck. 59% of Louisiana Healthcare.gov enrollees had access to $0 premium health plans. This means you can get the coverage you need without paying a dime out of pocket.

There are several affordable health plans available, including Ambetter from Louisiana Healthcare Connections, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, CHRISTUS Health Plan Louisiana, and Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc.

Medicare

Medicare offers several coverage options, including parts A, B, C, D, and supplemental coverage plans. You can also explore Medicare Savings Programs with specific income limits.

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Individuals with a monthly income below $1,456 may be eligible for these programs. Married couples with a monthly income below $1,960 may also qualify.

If you're 65 or older and a Louisiana resident, you're likely eligible for Medicare. You can choose between Original Medicare, which covers hospital and medical services, or Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C.

Medicare Advantage plans often include additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, dental, and vision benefits. These plans are provided by private insurers and may offer more comprehensive coverage than Original Medicare.

Choosing the Right Coverage

Choosing the right health insurance coverage in Louisiana can be overwhelming, but understanding your options can make a big difference.

There are several types of health insurance plans available in Louisiana, including health plans with Essential Health Benefits, which cover doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital visits, and other critical services. These plans are available through the Marketplace, regardless of preexisting conditions.

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Short-term health insurance plans offer limited benefits and coverage, typically for shorter periods, usually less than 12 months, and often have lower premiums. They usually don't cover preexisting conditions.

Here are some key things to consider when choosing a health insurance plan:

  • Look for plans that cover Essential Health Benefits, which include doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital visits, and other critical services.
  • Consider the fine print, including deductibles, coverage limitations, waiting periods, exclusions, and the complete details that can be found in the summary of benefits.
  • Compare plans from different insurance companies, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Louisiana, United Healthcare, and others.

What Does Cost?

The cost of health insurance in Louisiana can vary significantly depending on several factors. The price of health insurance is influenced by age, location, and health status.

Age is a major factor in determining the cost of health insurance. As you get older, the cost of health insurance tends to increase.

Your location within Louisiana can also impact the cost of health insurance. Different areas have different prices for health insurance.

Your health status is another important factor in determining the cost of health insurance. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may be charged more for health insurance.

The type of plan you choose can also affect the cost of health insurance. Different types of plans have varying levels of coverage and costs.

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A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses before your insurance kicks in. Higher deductibles can result in lower monthly premiums.

Copayments are fixed amounts you pay for specific medical services, such as doctor visits or prescriptions. Higher copayments can increase your out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-pocket maximums are the maximum amount you pay for medical expenses within a year. This limit helps protect you from extremely high costs.

To get an accurate estimate of how much health insurance will cost you, it's a good idea to compare quotes from multiple providers.

Choosing the Right

Choosing the right health insurance coverage in Louisiana can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. You have to consider factors like age, location, health status, and type of plan.

You can find health plans with essential health benefits, which cover doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital visits, and other critical services. These plans also ensure that you can secure coverage regardless of your preexisting conditions.

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Short-term plans are another option, but they typically have limited benefits and limited coverage since they don't cover preexisting conditions. They're usually offered for shorter periods, typically less than 12 months, and often have lower premiums.

Major medical plans offer comprehensive coverage, but they can be more expensive. You can find these plans through your employer or by shopping around.

Here are some insurance companies that offer ACA-compliant plans in Louisiana:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Louisiana
  • United Healthcare
  • Ambetter from Louisiana Healthcare Connections
  • CHRISTUS Health Plan Louisiana
  • Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc.

It's essential to shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers to get an accurate estimate of how much health insurance will cost you. You can do this through the Health Insurance Marketplace or by working with a licensed agent.

The cheapest health insurance plans will depend on individual factors like age and plan type. Be sure to consider both monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses when determining cost.

Here's a summary of the types of health insurance plans available in Louisiana:

Remember to always look into the fine print, like deductibles, coverage limitations, waiting periods, exclusions, and the complete details that can be found in the summary of benefits.

Location

A Home Insurance Policy
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Your health care prices can vary significantly depending on where you live. Every state has its own rules and regulations, which affect the providers and marketplace in your area.

Health insurance rates are community-rated, so if your neighbors file a lot of claims, your rates might increase.

Living in a state with poor health statistics can also impact your costs. For example, LA is ranked as the second unhealthiest state in the country, according to America's Health Rankings.

Health Insurance Laws and Regulations

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made significant changes to how health insurance companies in Louisiana operate, protecting residents from unfair policy pricing.

One of the key protections is that insurance companies can't charge more for pre-existing conditions, ensuring that people with chronic illnesses or injuries can get coverage without being penalized.

Insurance companies are also limited from charging women and men different prices for the same plan, as women historically pay more for health care.

Close-up of hands checking a pulse on a patient's wrist, illustrating healthcare and care.
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The ACA also prohibits insurance companies from using your previous medical history or lapses in insurance to price your policy.

In Louisiana, there's a limit to how much you can pay out-of-pocket for a marketplace plan, with the maximum being $8,150 for an individual plan and $16,300 for a family plan in 2020.

Here are some essential services that health insurance companies in Louisiana are required to cover:

  • Emergency room service
  • Hearing aids for minors
  • Maternity minimum stay
  • Severe mental illness
  • Cancer screenings
  • Immunizations for children up to age six

Laws

Louisiana has laws that protect residents from unfair policy pricing. The Affordable Care Act limits providers from considering certain factors when determining your rates.

Pre-existing conditions can no longer be used to charge you more for coverage. Gender is also no longer a factor in pricing, as insurance companies can't charge women and men different prices for the same plan.

Insurance companies can't use your previous medical history or any lapses in insurance to price your policy. This means people with these factors can't be charged more for coverage.

Health Insurance Scrabble Tiles on Planner
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There's a limit to how much you can pay out-of-pocket for a marketplace plan. In 2020, the out-of-pocket maximum is $8,150 for an individual plan and $16,300 for a family plan.

Louisiana state law requires health insurance companies to offer coverage for certain essential services. Here are some of the services that must be covered:

  • Emergency room service
  • Hearing aids for minors
  • Maternity minimum stay
  • Severe mental illness
  • Cancer screenings
  • Immunizations for children up to age six

Medicare Choices

If you're 65 or older and a Louisiana resident, you're likely familiar with Medicare. Medicare offers two main choices in Louisiana: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.

Original Medicare includes Part A, which covers hospital services, and Part B, which covers medical services. You can also opt for Medicare Advantage plans, which are provided by private insurers and often feature added perks like prescription drug coverage, dental, and vision benefits.

If you're considering Medicare Advantage plans, it's essential to note that these plans are provided by private insurers and may have different rules and restrictions compared to Original Medicare.

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Medicare Advantage plans can be a good option for those who want added benefits beyond what Original Medicare offers. However, it's crucial to carefully review the plan's details and costs before making a decision.

To be eligible for Medicare Savings Programs, your income must be within specific limits. The income limits for these programs are as follows:

What is the Maximum Income for Medicaid?

In Louisiana, the maximum income to qualify for Medicaid is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This means that a single person can earn up to $16,753 per year or a family of four can earn up to $34,638 per year and still be eligible.

To give you a better idea, here are the Medicaid income limits for 2023 in Louisiana, based on family size:

It's worth noting that these income limits apply to most adults without disabilities, who must be age 65 or older or pregnant to qualify for Medicaid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest health insurance in Louisiana?

The cheapest health insurance plan in Louisiana is offered by Ambetter, with a monthly premium of $458. Ambetter plans provide affordable coverage without compromising on essential health benefits.

Joan Lowe-Schiller

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Joan Lowe-Schiller serves as an Assigning Editor, overseeing a diverse range of architectural and design content. Her expertise lies in Brazilian architecture, a passion that has led to in-depth coverage of the region's innovative structures and cultural influences. Under her guidance, the publication has expanded its reach, offering readers a deeper understanding of the architectural landscape in Brazil.

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