July 26, 2016 Health Secretary Gee to visit Lafayette and discuss Medicaid expansion

Baton Rouge, La., Jul 26, 2016 - Dr. Rebekah Gee, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, will be in Lafayette on Wednesday, July 27 to help promote enrollment in Healthy Louisiana, the state’s expanded Medicaid program.

The public is invited to attend. Attendees can use this opportunity to enroll in Medicaid and learn about the health care services offered by the different managed care plans that administer the Healthy Louisiana program.

EVENT DETAILS

Wednesday, July 27

9:00 a.m.

Clifton Chenier Center

220 W Willow Street

Lafayette, LA 70501

Enrollment in the newly expanded Medicaid program started in June and coverage began July 1. Since then more than 261,200 adults have enrolled in the program that provides full medical coverage that includes doctor and hospital visits, emergency services, laboratory and x-ray services, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance abuse treatment, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services and supplies, medical transportation to appointments and vision care.

In the Lafayette region alone, 27,600 people have enrolled since June 1. With an estimated eligible population in the region of 41,000, almost 68 percent of eligible adults have already enrolled.

“By offering health care coverage to more working adults, the Healthy Louisiana program will make the people of our state healthier,” Gee explained. “Research indicates those with Medicaid coverage fare much better than their uninsured counterparts on access to primary care that results in better health outcomes on almost all measure of health.”

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.ldh.la.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's Twitter account and Facebook.