The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) announced that its Medicaid managed care contract with Healthy Blue will end on December 31, 2026. Current Healthy Blue members' coverage will continue through that date and will then be enrolled with one of the four remaining Healthy Louisiana health plans with new coverage beginning January 1, 2027.
The transition will not affect members’ Medicaid eligibility. Members will continue to have Medicaid coverage and will receive information and resources to help them transition to another plan without interruption to the care and services they rely on.
“For the people we serve, the measure of a successful transition is simple: Can they continue seeing their doctors, filling their prescriptions, and receiving the services they need?” said LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein. “That is the standard guiding our work. We are planning carefully, communicating directly with members, and coordinating with our health plan partners to protect continuity of care throughout this process.”
More than 290,000 Medicaid members are currently enrolled with Healthy Blue. LDH is working closely with Healthy Blue, the four remaining managed care organizations, providers, and the Healthy Louisiana enrollment broker to coordinate the transition.
Healthy Blue’s website will be updated soon with details, including the message: “Since 2012, it has been our privilege to serve Louisiana Medicaid members, and since 2017, to serve Medicaid and Medicare Dual Eligible members through Healthy Blue Louisiana in collaboration with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana. Our focus remains on serving you through December 31, 2026. Until then, continue to use your Healthy Blue benefits and get the care and services you need. We are working with the Louisiana Department of Health to help make this change as smooth as possible. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.”
What Healthy Blue members should know
Healthy Blue members will receive a member letter explaining their health plan options, important deadlines, and next steps. This letter will arrive by mail from Healthy Blue by October 1, 2026.
Members will have the opportunity to select one of the four remaining Healthy Louisiana health plans during a special enrollment period from October 15 to November 16, 2026. Members who do not select a plan will be assigned to one before January 1, 2027.
When assigning members, LDH will make every effort to:
-Keep members of the same family enrolled in the same health plan.
-Place members in a plan that includes their in-network health care providers.
Members may compare plans and make a selection in the following ways:
Online: myplan.healthy.la.gov
By phone: (855) 229-6848, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mobile app: Through the Healthy Louisiana app, available from Google Play and the App Store
LDH will continue communicating with Healthy Blue members and providers throughout the transition. Member notices, frequently asked questions, and other resources will be available at ldh.la.gov/medicaid/medicaid2027.