You Are Not Alone

Many resources exist to support you in carrying your child to term and to assist after your child's birth. This includes access to healthcare services for both you and your baby, supplies, healthy food items, nutrition education, and in-home support.

Healthcare

The Louisiana Medicaid Program provides medical benefits to low-income individuals and families. You may qualify for Medicaid if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or if you get financial help through the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP). 

LaCHIP is a health insurance program designed to bring quality healthcare to currently uninsured children and youth up to the age of 19 in Louisiana. LaCHIP provides Medicaid coverage for doctor visits for primary care as well as preventive and emergency care, immunizations, prescription medications, hospitalization, home healthcare, and many other health services. LaCHIP applications can be obtained by calling the LaCHIP Hotline at 877-2LaCHIP (252-2447) or at any of the more than 400 Medicaid application centers throughout the state. Applications are also available at WIC offices, school-based health clinics, community health centers, community action agencies, and other locations throughout the state. You can also access the application online or download and print a copy.

The LaCHIP Affordable Plan is a new LaCHIP health insurance program for uninsured children in moderate-income families whose income is too high to qualify for regular LaCHIP but whose gross income is below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The regular LaCHIP only covers uninsured children in families with countable income up to 200% of the FPL.

LaMOMS is no-cost health coverage for any pregnant woman, married or single, who falls into the new expanded income guidelines. You can get an application form from the Medicaid office in the parish where you live, at any of the participating Medicaid Application Centers, from our website, or by calling 888-342-6207. If needed, someone can assist you in completing the form. 

LaHIPP stands for Louisiana Health Insurance Premium Payment and is a part of Louisiana Medicaid. Insurance premiums are available through your job if that is more cost-effective than letting you or your relative remain on Medicaid.

Nutrition Assistance and Financial Support

The Child Care Assistance Program helps low-income families pay for child care while working or attending school or training. Monthly payments are based on the number of hours the parents work or attend school or training, as well as the amount charged by the child care provider, family size, and household income. Find out if you qualify, or apply to the program.

The Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) provides cash assistance to families with children when the family's financial resources are insufficient to meet subsistence needs.

Food banks distribute free food to those in need. Find a food bank in your area.

The Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) provides cash assistance for eligible children who reside with qualified relatives other than parents. Find out if you qualify, or apply to KCSP.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits that help eligible low-income households buy the food they need for good health. Find out if you qualify, or apply for SNAP.

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program provides food, nutrition counseling, and referrals to health and other social services at no charge. It serves low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and infants and children up to age 5. The Louisiana WIC Breast Pump Program offers three types of breast pumps for certified breastfeeding women participants. Find a WIC site in your area.