Long term care access services

Medicaid Long-Term Care Services

Long-term services and supports are delivered in institutional and home and community-based settings. Medicaid coverage is available to eligible people receiving long-term care services in nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and home and community-based settings. Long-term care services may be more immediately available in a facility setting than other long-term care options.

Nursing Facility-Based Services

A nursing facility provides 24-hour care for rehabilitative, restorative and ongoing skilled-nursing care to patients or residents in need of assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, transferring, toileting and eating. Those interested in nursing facility care may apply directly to the nursing home of their choice or they may apply for preadmission certification by calling: Louisiana Options in Long Term Care 1-877-456-1146. Learn more.

Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) Based Programs

ICF/IID provide active treatment services and supports in a 24-hour residential setting, including ongoing evaluation, planning, and coordination/integration of health and habilitative services and supports. ICF/IID services are provided in a range of residential settings, including privately-operated community homes (up to six people), group homes (nine to 15 people), small facilities (16 to 32 people), and private or publically-operated large institutions (33 or more people).

The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) serves as the Single Point of Entry (SPOE) into the developmental disabilities services system and oversees public and private residential services and other services for people with developmental disabilities. Learn more.

Home and Community-Based Services

Home and community-based long-term care services available through various programs help individuals who require care in a nursing or ICF/IID facility to remain in or return to their homes and in the community. Each home and community-based program has specific service packages and eligibility requirements.

HCBS programs administered by the Office of Aging and Adult Services include:

Click here for more information on these programs.

HCBS programs administered by the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities include:

Click here for more information on these programs.

How do I apply for Medicaid?

Medicaid sends the “Ways to Apply” letter when a person is admitted to a nursing home or offered a waiver opportunity. Be sure to apply for Medicaid using one of the following ways:

  1. Apply online by visiting the Medicaid Self-Service Portal.
  2. Download and print an application form. Then mail or fax it to Medicaid as directed on the form.
  3. Apply by phone. Call Medicaid Customer Service toll free at 1-888-342-6207.
  4. Apply in person at your local Medicaid office. Walk-in offices are open to the public Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

You must answer all of the questions on the application form and give the needed proof so we can see if the person who needs long-term care services is eligible for Medicaid. If you do not apply, Medicaid cannot decide if the person is eligible for benefits.

Long-Term Care Resources

Feedback Accessibility

Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
Mailing Address: Louisiana Department of Health | P. O. Box 629 | Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0629
Physical Address: 628 N. 4th Street | Baton Rouge, LA 70802 | PHONE: 225-342-9500 | FAX: 225-342-5568
Medicaid Customer Service 1-888-342-6207 | Healthy Louisiana 1-855-229-6848