Key Takeaways

  • Louisiana residents have several Medicare options, including Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Advantage, Part D for prescription drugs, and Medigap plans to supplement Original Medicare costs.
  • Medicare Advantage plans in Louisiana offer similar coverage to Original Medicare, often with extra benefits like vision and dental care. Prior authorization for services may be required. In 2026, the average monthly premium is $13.35, but some plans have $0 premiums.
  • When choosing a Medicare plan in Louisiana, consider individual healthcare needs, preferred providers, and cost requirements. For assistance, utilize resources like Medicare, the Social Security Administration, or the Louisiana Senior Health Information Program (LaSHIP).

Medicare is a national insurance program for those 65 and older and people of any age who have certain disabilities.

While the federal government runs Medicare, you have the option to purchase certain Medicare plans from private insurance companies in your state.

Snapshot of Medicare in Louisiana

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on Medicare trends in Louisiana for the 2026 plan year:

  • A total of 948,321 Louisiana residents are enrolled in Medicare.
  • There are 117 Medicare Advantage plans available in Louisiana for 2026, compared with 112 plans in 2025.
  • The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium changed from $21.63 in 2025 to $13.35 in 2026.
  • All Louisiana residents with Medicare have access to a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 premium.
  • In 2026, there are 10 stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans available in Louisiana, and the lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Part D plan is $0.
  • 33.26% of people with a stand-alone Part D plan get Extra Help.

As in most states, 12 different Medigap plans are available in Louisiana for 2026. This includes high-deductible versions of Plans F and G.

In Louisiana, as in other states, Medicare includes several types of coverage:

  • Original Medicare: This plan is managed by the federal government and includes Part A (inpatient hospital insurance) and Part B (outpatient medical insurance). It includes some limited medications but does not include take-home prescription drug coverage.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): These plans are administered by private insurers and include all Original Medicare benefits along with extras such as vision, dental, and take-home drug coverage. Some plans have network restrictions, so you should confirm your preferred doctors and facilities are in-network before enrolling.
  • Medicare Part D: People with Original Medicare can choose a stand-alone Part D plan for their take-home prescription medications. Part D coverage is typically included in Medicare Advantage plans.
  • Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap): These are private plans that cover the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, such as copayments and coinsurance. Medigap cannot be used alongside Medicare Advantage plans. You can choose from 12 standardized plans, including high-deductible versions of Plans F and G.

Louisiana residents may qualify for Medicare at age 65 if they’re U.S. citizens or legal residents for at least 5 years. People under age 65 with end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or those living with a disability, may also qualify for Medicare coverage.

When choosing a plan, you can consider whether your preferred healthcare professionals and facilities are in-network, the costs, and the quality ratings. You have the option to join a plan or change your coverage during one of the following enrollment periods:

  • Initial enrollment period (IEP): You can enroll during your 7-month IEP, which runs from 3 months before until 3 months after your birth month.
  • Open enrollment period (OEP): You can join or change plans between October 15 and December 7.
  • Medicare Advantage open enrollment period: From January 1 to March 31, you can switch to a different plan or return to Original Medicare if you already have a Medicare Advantage plan.
  • Special enrollment period: After a qualifying life event, such as losing job-based coverage, you will have an opportunity to enroll in a different plan. The length of time you have to enroll can depend on the specific life event.

Enrollment is automatic for people eligible for Medicare due to a disability. If you are eligible based on age, you will need to enroll yourself.

You can consider choosing a plan that:

  • has preferred doctors and healthcare facilities
  • covers the services you need
  • provides affordable coverage
  • has a high star rating for quality and patient satisfaction from CMS

You can find answers to questions and get help with Medicare plans in Louisiana from the following resources:

Almost 950,000 Louisiana residents are enrolled in Medicare. Several private insurance companies offer various types of Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans throughout the state.

Overall, 2026 Medicare Advantage plan premiums have decreased in Maryland, so people should find plan options that work for them and their circumstances. Various programs are also available to help with costs.