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Healthy Blue Medicaid members will maintain their Medicaid coverage but will need to transition to another Healthy Louisiana health plan for 2027.
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) announced on September 1, 2026, that its Medicaid managed care contract with Healthy Blue will conclude on December 31, 2026. More than 290,000 Louisiana Medicaid members currently enrolled in Healthy Blue will transition to one of the state’s four remaining Healthy Louisiana managed care plans beginning January 1, 2027.
For patients and families, the most important message is that this change does not affect Medicaid eligibility. Healthy Blue members will continue to have Medicaid coverage throughout the transition. According to LDH, members can continue using their current Healthy Blue benefits through December 31, 2026.
Access Health Louisiana encourages patients with Healthy Blue Medicaid to watch their mail carefully over the coming months and take action during the special enrollment period.
What Healthy Blue Members Need to Know
According to the Louisiana Department of Health’s September 1, 2026 announcement, Healthy Blue will mail affected members a letter by October 1, 2026 explaining available health plan options, important deadlines and the steps necessary to transition to a new plan.
Healthy Blue members will then have a special enrollment period from October 15 through November 16, 2026 to select a new Healthy Louisiana health plan.
Beginning January 1, 2027, Louisiana’s Medicaid managed care program will operate through four health plans:
- Aetna Better Health
- AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana
- Humana Healthy Horizons in Louisiana
- Louisiana Healthcare Connections
Medicaid members who are already enrolled in one of these four plans are not affected by the Healthy Blue transition and do not need to take action.
What Happens If I Don’t Choose a New Medicaid Plan?
Healthy Blue members who do not select a new plan during the special enrollment period will not lose Medicaid coverage solely because they did not make a selection. LDH will assign those members to another Healthy Louisiana plan before January 1, 2027.
LDH says it will make every effort during the assignment process to keep members of the same family enrolled in the same health plan and place members in plans that include their existing in-network healthcare providers.
This continuity of care is a major focus of the state’s transition planning.
LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein said the goal is for members to be able to continue seeing their doctors, filling their prescriptions and receiving the services they need. LDH also says additional guidance will be provided regarding existing prior authorizations, prescriptions, scheduled appointments and other continuity-of-care protections.
How to Select a New Healthy Louisiana Plan
Healthy Blue members can compare their available health plans and make a selection through Healthy Louisiana:
Online: myplan.healthy.la.gov
By phone: 855-229-6848, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mobile: Through the Healthy Louisiana mobile app
Members who select a new plan during the enrollment period will receive a welcome packet and identification card from their new health plan. LDH also reports that digital identification cards will be available through the LA Wallet app.
Access Health Louisiana Patients: Don’t Delay Your Care
Access Health Louisiana encourages Healthy Blue patients to continue attending scheduled medical, behavioral health, dental and other healthcare appointments during this transition.
Healthy Blue coverage remains in effect through December 31, 2026, and the transition to another Healthy Louisiana plan begins January 1, 2027.
Patients should also make sure Louisiana Medicaid and Healthy Blue have their current mailing address, telephone number and other contact information so they do not miss important notices about the transition.
When your Healthy Blue transition letter arrives:
- Open and read it immediately.
- Review the four available Healthy Louisiana plans.
- Consider whether your current doctors, specialists, pharmacies and other healthcare providers participate with the plan you are considering.
- Make your selection between October 15 and November 16, 2026.
- Watch for your new health plan identification card and welcome information before January 1.
This Does Not Affect Private Blue Cross Coverage
The LDH announcement applies only to Louisiana Medicaid members enrolled with Healthy Blue.
It does not affect private health insurance coverage provided through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana.
Access Health Louisiana Is Here to Help
Access Health Louisiana understands that changes in Medicaid health plans can be confusing for patients and families. Our goal is to help patients maintain access to their providers, prescriptions and healthcare services throughout the transition.
Patients should not cancel appointments or stop seeking needed healthcare because of the Healthy Blue announcement. Continue using your Healthy Blue Medicaid benefits through December 31, 2026, and watch for additional information from LDH and Healthy Blue.
For the latest information, frequently asked questions and transition resources, visit the Louisiana Department of Health’s Medicaid 2027 information page:
Louisiana Department of Health – Medicaid 2027
Key Dates to Remember
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| By October 1, 2026 | Healthy Blue mails transition letters to members |
| October 15, 2026 | Special enrollment period begins |
| November 16, 2026 | Special enrollment period ends |
| December 31, 2026 | Healthy Blue’s Louisiana Medicaid managed care contract ends |
| January 1, 2027 | Coverage begins through one of the four remaining Healthy Louisiana plans |
Source: Louisiana Department of Health, “Louisiana Department of Health announces transition for Medicaid Healthy Blue members ahead of contract’s conclusion,” September 1, 2026.
Access Health Louisiana
Improving the Health of the People We Serve.
