The Department of Health has announced that the total new enrollment for expanded Medicaid, Healthy Louisiana, reached 197,026 adults as of June 8.

This total new enrollment includes 186,799 people who formerly received a limited array of health benefits through the Greater New Orleans Community Health Connection and the Take Charge Plus programs. Individuals in both of these eligibility groups were automatically enrolled into Healthy Louisiana.

The additional 10,227 new enrollees included those who have enrolled online, by phone, in person or because they were already determined to be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), otherwise known as food stamps.

Dr. Rebekah Gee, secretary of the Department of Health, explained that using SNAP eligibility to make Medicaid eligibility determinations benefits both the new enrollee and the State.

"By linking these programs, individuals only need to fill out one application instead of having to apply for two separate programs," she said. "This process allows the department to get full applications certified more quickly, thereby reducing the number of staff hours that are needed to process applications."

Ruth Kennedy, who is leading the Healthy Louisiana enrollment effort, added that, if someone was enrolled in SNAP after March 31, 2016, they will not receive a letter but may still be able to express enroll. She advised these individuals to call 888-342-6207 for information.

Other statistics updated after the first week of enrollment include:

  • 105,000 offer letters have been mailed to SNAP recipients who are likely to meet Healthy Louisiana financial eligibility requirements, and more than 1,100 people have already responded to the letters and enrolled in Medicaid coverage.
  • 7,872 calls have been made to our Medicaid enrollment center. Peak call times have been between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
  • More than 20,000 unique visitors have accessed the Department's Medicaid online application site, www.healthy.la.gov.

The Department of Health will provide additional enrollment statistics as they become available.

The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. To learn more about LDH, visit www.dhh.la.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's Twitter account and Facebook.