Best Louisiana Health Insurance (2024 Plans)


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Updated: May 22, 2024

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MoneyGeek Logo IconBest Health InsuranceLouisiana
2024

Best Health Insurance in Louisiana

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We downloaded plan data for Louisiana directly from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). MoneyGeek’s scoring methodology balances costs, claims approval and plan types to find the best providers in the state.

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Plan data was updated with the CMS exchange data released in October for the 2023 enrollment period.

83Plans Analyzed
 
8Providers Compared

Best Overall for Health Insurance in Louisiana

Ambetter provides the best health insurance in Louisiana with a MoneyGeek score of 82.44 out of 100. Ambetter offers plan options with good prices, low out-of-pocket costs and better than average claims management.

For this analysis, we looked at 32 health insurance plans, including Silver Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Point of Service (POS) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans in Louisiana.

MoneyGeek Pick: Ambetter

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Affordable premium rates

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Low out-of-pocket costs

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Average plan type availability

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's top pick for the best health insurance in Louisiana is Ambetter. The company offers eight Silver EPO plans at an average plan rate of $541 per month. The average maximum out of pocket cost for these plans is $7,725.

Ambetter's Silver EPO plans come with the benefit of a structured network, making it simpler to choose healthcare providers. There's no need for referrals when seeing specialists. They offer an average plan rate of $541 and the average maximum out of pocket cost for these plans is $7,725. Ambetter has a denial rate of 15%, suggesting they tend to have a lower denial rate than most of the competition.

Plan Recommendations

MoneyGeek recommends the following Silver plans:

  • Clear Silver: $521 per month; MOOP $5,400
  • Clear Silver + Vision + Adult Dental: $540 per month; MOOP $5,400
  • Focused Silver: $537 per month; MOOP $8,000

Best Health Insurance in Louisiana for Low Out-of-Pocket Costs

Ambetter has the best health insurance in Louisiana for low out-of-pocket costs with a MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100. Ambetter provides plans with very competitive rates and keeps out-of-pocket costs low.

It also has better than average claim denial rates, meaning it doesn't say 'no' to covering care as often as some other insurance companies might. To figure out who was the best, we looked at a bunch of different health insurance plans. We checked out 11 Gold EPO plans, 3 Gold HMO plans, 9 Gold POS plans and 2 Gold PPO plans from Louisiana.

MoneyGeek Pick: Ambetter

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Affordable premium rates

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Low out-of-pocket costs

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Average availability of plan types

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's top pick for the best health insurance in Louisiana for low out-of-pocket costs is Ambetter. They offer eight Gold EPO plans, which are a type of health plan that often has lower costs when you get care in the plan's network. They offer an average plan rate of $656 and the average maximum out of pocket cost for these plans is $7,325. Ambetter has a denial rate of 14.84%. This rate is lower than most of the competition.

Plan Recommendations

MoneyGeek recommends the following Gold and Platinum plans:

  • Elite Gold: $710 per month; MOOP $5,500
  • Everyday Gold: $615 per month; MOOP $7,500
  • Elite Gold + Vision + Adult Dental: $735 per month; MOOP $5,500

Best Cheap Health Insurance in Louisiana

Ambetter is the best cheap health insurance provider in Louisiana, earning a score of 90 out of 100. Ambetter provides plans that have a lower than average rate, low out-of-pocket expenses and denies fewer claims than most.

We evaluated 32 Silver plans in Louisiana. This included 13 Silver EPO plans, 3 Silver HMO plans, 13 Silver POS plans and 3 Silver PPO plans. MoneyGeek gave more weight to plans with lower monthly premiums, but it's important to note that usually, plans with lower premiums have higher out-of-pocket costs.

MoneyGeek Pick: Ambetter

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Outstandingly low denial of claims

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Low out-of-pocket maximum costs

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Highly competitive premium rates

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More claim denials than average

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's top pick for the best cheap health insurance in Louisiana is Ambetter. They offer eight different Silver plans. These plans provide a variety of choices for families looking for affordable health care coverage.

The Silver plans from Ambetter are all EPO plans. EPO plans can be a good option because they may have lower costs when you see doctors in the plan's network. They offer an average plan rate of $541 and the average maximum out of pocket cost for these plans is $7,725. Ambetter has a denial rate of 15%, which is lower than most of the competition.

Plan Recommendations

MoneyGeek recommends the following cheap Silver plans:

  • Clear Silver: $521 per month; MOOP $5,400
  • Clear Silver + Vision + Adult Dental: $540 per month; MOOP $5,400
  • Standard Silver: $527 per month; MOOP $9,100

Best Health Insurance for Low Income in Louisiana

Ambetter offers the best health insurance in Louisiana for those with low income, scoring 90 out of 100. Ambetter provides plans with low premiums, minimal out-of-pocket costs and fewer claim denials than most. For this analysis, we looked at 13 Silver CSR EPO plans, 3 HMO plans, 13 POS plans and 3 PPO plans in Louisiana.

We gave more importance to plans with low monthly premiums that include cost-sharing reductions. These reductions lower how much you spend on health care if you don’t make a lot of money. This means you get to save money each month without having to pay a lot when you need health care. A normal Silver plan usually pays for about 70% of your health needs, but with a CSR Silver plan, you could get more covered:

  • If you earn between $27,180 and $33,975 a year, you could have 73% of your health costs covered.
  • If you make $20,385 to $27,180 a year, you can expect 87% of costs covered.
  • If you make less than $20,385 a year, you can expect to have 94% of costs covered.

These levels change if more people live in your house.

MoneyGeek Pick: Ambetter

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Low premium rates

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Low out-of-pocket maximum costs

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Fewer claims denied

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's top pick for the best health insurance in Louisiana for those with low income is Ambetter. The provider has cost-effective plans for people earning below 250% of the FPL. Ambetter offers eight Silver CSR plans, with an average monthly rate of $541 and an average MOOP cost of $6438.

Ambetter does not offer PPO or POS plans, but EPO plans typically have lower monthly payments. The company denies claims more frequently than competitors. Ambetter's top-rated plan offers lower out-of-pocket expenses for the same premium for people in different income brackets.

Plan Recommendations

Here are some of the lower overall out-of-pocket costs based on income levels:

  • 201-250% of the FPL: $521 per month; $4,600 MOOP
  • 151-200% of the FPL: $521 per month; $1,600 MOOP
  • Up to 150% of the FPL: $521 per month; $550 MOOP

Best Health Insurance for Young Adults in Louisiana

Ambetter provides the best health insurance in Louisiana for young adults with a MoneyGeek score of 70 out of 100. Ambetter has lower out-of-pocket costs and doesn't deny claims as much as some other health insurance companies. Only young adults under 30 can get Catastrophic plans which usually cost less each month but you might pay more when you need care.

For Louisiana, we looked at 1 Bronze EPO plan, 1 Bronze POS plan, 2 Bronze PPO plans, 9 Expanded Bronze EPO plans, 3 Expanded Bronze HMO plans, 8 Expanded Bronze POS plans and 2 Expanded Bronze PPO plans.

MoneyGeek Pick: Ambetter

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Out-of-pocket costs lower than average

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Rate of claim denials lower than average

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Variety of plan types offered

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Plan rates may be less competitive

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Ambetter is MoneyGeek's top pick for the best health insurance in Louisiana for young adults. Young adults usually choose lower coverage levels because they don't often need a lot of medical services. Ambetter provides one Catastrophic plan and six Expanded Bronze plans. They offer an average plan rate of $400 and the average maximum out of pocket cost for these plans is $9,300.

Ambetter does not offer any PPO or POS plans, but EPO plans can be helpful because they often have lower premiums and the requirement to choose providers within a network can mean better coordination of care. Ambetter has a denial rate of about 14.8%, which is lower than most of the competition.

Plan Recommendations

MoneyGeek recommends the following plans for young adults:

  • Everyday Bronze: $334 per month for 18-year-olds and $375 per month for 26-year-olds; MOOP $9,250
  • Everyday Bronze + Vision + Adult Dental: $346 per month for 18-year-olds and $388 per month for 26-year-olds; MOOP $9,250
  • Elite Bronze: $389 per month for 18-year-olds and $436 per month for 26-year-olds; MOOP $9,250

Best Health Insurance by Plan Type in Louisiana

Health insurance companies give you different plans to pick from. The best providers for all plan categories in Louisiana are:

  • EPO: Ambetter (MoneyGeek score: 100 out of 100)
  • POS: Blue Cross Blue Shield (MoneyGeek score: 100 out of 100)
  • PPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield (MoneyGeek score: 100 out of 100)
  • HMO: Christus Health (MoneyGeek score: 100 out of 100)

MoneyGeek's recommendations are based only on Silver plans. These plans work well for people who see the doctor sometimes. They help balance how much you pay every month with the costs you pay when you go to the doctor or hospital.

Louisiana has lots of options for Silver plans. There are 13 Silver EPO plans, 3 Silver HMO plans, 13 Silver POS plans and 3 Silver PPO plans you can choose from.

MoneyGeek Pick for PPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's top pick for the best health insurance in Louisiana for Silver PPO plans is Blue Cross Blue Shield. They offer three Silver PPO plans. These plans have an average plan rate of $775 and the average maximum out of pocket cost for these plans is $8,850. The company has a denial rate of 17.4%, which means they deny fewer claims than average.

PPO plans give more choices for doctors and hospitals and you don't need a doctor's note to see a specialist. They are quite popular but they can cost more than other plans. If you're okay with spending more, they give you more freedom to pick your health care.

Plan Recommendations

We suggest the following Silver PPO plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield:

  • Blue Saver 90/70 $3400: $769 per month; MOOP $8,000
  • Blue Max Copay 60/40 $5900 Standardized Plan: $778 per month; MOOP $9,100

MoneyGeek Pick for EPO: Ambetter

Ambetter
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's top pick for the best health insurance in Louisiana for Silver EPO plans is Ambetter. They offer eight different Silver EPO plans. They offer an average plan rate of $541 and the average maximum out of pocket cost for these plans is $7,725. Ambetter has a denial rate of 14.84%, which is fewer than most other providers.

Silver EPO plans have both good points and bad points. They are quite common as the third most chosen plan type. You usually don't need to get a special okay to see doctors who are experts, which is different from some other plans. But, you need to see doctors who are part of the plan's group, unless it's a serious emergency. This means sometimes you can't see any doctor you want.

Plan Recommendations

We suggest the following Silver EPO plans from Ambetter:

  • Clear Silver around $521 per month; MOOP $5,400
  • Clear Silver + Vision + Adult Dental around $540 per month; MOOP $5,400

MoneyGeek Pick for POS: Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's top pick for the best health insurance in Louisiana for Silver POS plans is Blue Cross Blue Shield, offering 13 plans. They have an average plan rate of $631 and the average maximum out-of-pocket cost for these plans is $8,684. The company's denial rate is 17.38%, which means Blue Cross Blue Shield denies fewer claims than average.

Silver POS plans offer both in-network and out-of-network coverage, though seeing providers out of network costs more. These plans can be a good option if you want the flexibility to choose any provider while still getting a lower cost for in-network services. They are not as common as other plan types but could be a good middle ground for those seeking balance between flexibility and cost.

Plan Recommendations

We suggest the following Silver POS plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield:

  • Blue Connect 80/60 $3400 (S): $504 per month; MOOP $7,900
  • Signature Blue 80/60 $3400: $519 per month; MOOP $7,900

MoneyGeek Pick for HMO: Christus Health

CHRISTUS Health Plan Louisiana
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's top pick for the best health insurance in Louisiana for Silver HMO plans is Christus Health. They offer an average plan rate of $561 and the average maximum out of pocket cost for these plans is $9,017. The provider denies 6.92% of the claims, which is fewer than average.

Silver HMO plans tend to be more affordable and they are very common. You need to stay inside the network of doctors and hospitals, except if you have an emergency. To visit a specialist, you need a note from your main doctor. These plans are great if you want to pay less each month and the doctors in-network are close by.

Plan Recommendations

We suggest the following Silver HMO plans from Christus Health:

  • CHRISTUS Silver: $564 per month; MOOP $8,500
  • CHRISTUS Standard Silver: $549 per month; MOOP $9,100

Best Short-Term Health Insurance in Louisiana

With a MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100, National General Accident & Health is rated as the best short-term health insurance company in Louisiana.

Unlike plans that comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), short-term health insurance plans don’t include all the necessary health benefits. Because of this, it is not recommended as a permanent health insurance solution.

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MoneyGeek Top Pick: National General Accident & Health
National General Accident & Health

MoneyGeek ranked National General Accident & Health as the best short-term health insurance provider since it provides one of the highest coverage limits out of the insurers we evaluated. The insurer’s contract terms are flexible, ranging from three months to three years. National General Accident & Health also offers PPO plans with different prescription drug coverages, cost-sharing alternatives, waiting periods and application fees.

How to Find the Best Health Insurance for You in Louisiana

Your budget and medical needs — including how much you're willing to spend each month versus when you receive care — will determine which health insurance provider in Louisiana is right for you. The following pointers can be useful when planning to get health insurance.

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    Understand when a health insurance plan will cover you

    In health insurance, doctors and hospitals in a network have a deal with your plan. You pay less to see them. Go outside the network, you might pay more, or it won't be covered. Some plans let you see more doctors outside the network, but could cost more. You pick what fits your pocket and if you want more doctor choices.

    Louisiana has 13 EPO plans and 3 PPO plans. EPO plans focus on network doctors and generally cost less. PPO plans let you see more doctors outside the network, but might cost a bit more.

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    Weigh the cost of premiums vs. the cost of care

    Finding the right plan is about balaning how much you pay each month and the most you'll pay yourself for doctor visits and medicines. Some plans cost less each month but ask you to pay more if you get sick often. If you're willing to pay more money every month, you might not have to pay as much on your own.

    The Silver plan from Ambetter called Clear Silver has the lowest amount you pay on your own for care, and that's $5,400. This plan's monthly cost is $521, which is less than other Silver plans from Ambetter. If the plan's doctors and services are good, this plan could be a great deal because it doesn't cost too much each month and it protects you from big medical bills.

Consider Louisiana Medicare or Medicaid if You’re Eligible

Those age 65 or older, as well as individuals with a qualifying disability or sickness, may be eligible for Medicare. This is a federal health insurance program that subsidizes medical care for eligible individuals.

Medicare consists of three parts:

  • Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers hospitalizations, certain home health care services, nursing institutions and hospice care.
  • Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient services such as doctor visits and preventive care.
  • Part D (Prescription drug coverage): Assists with the expense of prescription medications.

In addition, you can review the best Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans in Louisiana to find a plan with sufficient coverage for your needs.

Medicaid, another federal program, offers health coverage to people with incomes below a state-determined level. Louisiana is among the states that have expanded Medicaid coverage. In Louisiana, if your household income is at or below 138% of the FPL for your household size, you may qualify for Medicaid.

FAQ: Louisiana Health Insurance

Finding an ideal health insurance plan can be complicated due to concerns about price and availability. MoneyGeek answers some frequently asked questions to help you research options.

What is the best health insurance provider in Louisiana for 2024?
What should you look for when shopping for the best health insurance plan in Louisiana?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.