3 Things To Understand About Medicaid Qualification in Louisiana

June 11, 2026

When creating your estate plan, planning for your health and medical care is critical.

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Ensuring that you get the medical care you need – now and in the future – not only helps you live your best life, but it also takes the stress and worries off your loved ones, knowing that your medical needs are met.

So, when planning for your future, make sure that you don’t overlook Medicaid planning.

Keep reading to learn more about what Medicaid is and how to qualify for it in Louisiana.

1. What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a government program that provides medical benefits to low-income families and individuals. As of 2019, over 75 million Americans received healthcare through Medicaid, including long-term care through nursing homes. In Louisiana, over one million people receive healthcare through Medicaid, which operates through Louisiana’s Department of Health.

Medicaid is the single largest source of healthcare and medical coverage in the United States.

2. How Do I Qualify for Medicaid in Louisiana?

The initial qualification for Medicaid is determined using the federal poverty level income guidelines. For example, the federal poverty level income guideline for individuals is $13,590 (in 2022), and for a family of 4, it’s $27,750 (in 2022). These 2022 guideline limits determine coverage for 2023.

Once you meet the income guidelines, then you’ll qualify for Medicaid in Louisiana if you meet the following:

You’re receiving Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Get financial assistance from the Office of Family Support (OFS) through the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP)

However, you also may qualify for Medicaid in Louisiana if you meet the following:

You are disabled, according to the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability.
You have corrected vision no better than 20/200.
You have breast and/or cervical cancer, and you have no health insurance.
You are low-income and receive Medicare.

An experienced Louisiana elder law attorney can help you determine if you or your loved one qualifies for Medicaid.

3. How Do I Protect My Home from Medicaid Estate Recovery?

When a Medicaid recipient passes away, their home may be possessed by the state in an effort to recover any Medicaid benefits received. This is called the “Medicaid Estate Recovery” program.

However, with the help of an experienced elder law attorney, you can avoid this by ensuring that your house does not fall under Louisiana’s probate (or succession) process. After all, you probably would rather your children, grandchildren, or other family members get your house after you pass – not the government.

At Losavio & DeJean, LLC, we have developed innovative and creative strategies to protect your home from Louisiana Medicaid Estate Recovery.

We know these conversations are challenging to have. Our estate planning lawyers at Losavio & DeJean, LLC, offer every client compassionate and empathetic legal representation that considers the whole person. When you hire one of our Medicaid planning attorneys in Baton Rouge, you can be sure you are getting experienced legal representation that puts you and your needs first.

Why Retain Losavio & DeJean, LLC?

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What Is a Special Needs Trust and Why Does Your Loved One Need One?

July 30, 2026

Planning for a loved one with a disability requires more than simply leaving an inheritance. While parents and family members naturally want to provide financial security, leaving assets directly to an individual receiving needs-based government benefits can unintentionally jeopardize programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. A properly drafted Special Needs Trust allows families to provide financial support while helping preserve eligibility for essential public benefits. A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a legal tool specifically designed to hold and manage assets for the benefit of a person with disabilities. Rather than distributing money directly to the beneficiary, the trust owns the assets and appoints a trustee to manage distributions for approved supplemental expenses. These expenses may include therapies, education, travel, recreational activities, specialized medical equipment, transportation, and quality-of-life improvements that government benefits often do not cover. Every family's situation is unique, and Louisiana laws, along with federal benefit regulations, make proper planning essential. A trust that is not drafted correctly could unintentionally disqualify a beneficiary from receiving critical assistance. Working with an experienced elder law and estate planning attorney ensures that your trust complies with applicable legal requirements while reflecting your family's long-term goals. At Losavio & Dejean , we help Louisiana families create customized Special Needs Trusts as part of a comprehensive estate planning strategy. Our team understands how to coordinate trusts with wills , powers of attorney , Medicaid planning, and long-term financial planning so your loved one's future remains protected for years to come.

Three people reviewing a document, with text about the difference between a will and a trust in Louisiana

Understanding the Difference Between a Will and a Trust in Louisiana

July 28, 2026

When it comes to protecting your family and preserving your legacy, one of the most common questions people ask is, "Do I need a will or a trust?" The answer depends on your personal circumstances, financial goals, and long-term estate planning objectives. Understanding the difference between these two powerful legal tools can help you make informed decisions and ensure your wishes are carried out exactly as intended. A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death. It also allows you to appoint an executor to manage your estate and, most importantly for parents of young children, designate a legal guardian. While a will is an essential component of nearly every estate plan, it generally goes through Louisiana's succession (probate) process before assets are distributed. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney ensures your will complies with Louisiana law and accurately reflects your intentions. A trust , on the other hand, can provide greater flexibility and control over how and when your assets are distributed. Certain trusts may help your loved ones avoid probate, maintain privacy, provide for beneficiaries over time, or protect assets in the event of incapacity. Trusts are often valuable tools for families with significant assets, blended families, individuals planning for long-term care , or anyone seeking greater control over their estate. At Losavio & DeJean Elder Law Firm , we help Louisiana families determine whether a will, a trust, or a combination of both best fits their unique needs. Estate planning isn't about how much you own—it's about protecting the people you love. Whether you're creating your first estate plan or updating existing documents, our experienced attorneys can help you build a plan that provides peace of mind for generations to come.