Meghan E. Conques, J.D. is an Associate Attorney at Losavio & DeJean, L.L.C. with a passion for helping families navigate some of life's most challenging moments. She joined the firm in 2021 as a law clerk and, upon becoming licensed in 2023, transitioned into her role as an Associate Attorney. Since then, she has dedicated her practice to elder law, estate planning — including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney — successions, and Medicaid planning. To date, she has played an instrumental role in assisting with and winning more than 100 Medicaid cases, reflecting her deep commitment to her clients and her expertise in this highly specialized area of law.
The Growing Gap
Meghan Conques, J.D. • June 4, 2026
Long-Term Care Costs in Louisiana Are Outpacing Inflation — And Your Insurance Probably Won't Cover the Full Bill
If you live in Louisiana, you may have heard that our state is one of the most affordable places in the country for nursing home care. That's true — but "affordable" is a relative term. Even here in Louisiana, the cost of long-term care is climbing faster than inflation, and a long-term care insurance policy is unlikely to cover the full daily cost of a nursing home stay. For families across the Pelican State, from Baton Rouge to Shreveport to the Northshore, this is a financial risk that demands serious attention.
What Louisiana Families Are Actually Paying
Louisiana consistently ranks among the least expensive states for nursing home care, but the numbers are still significant. Statewide, the average monthly cost for a semi-private nursing home room is approximately $5,759, with private rooms averaging around $6,060 per month. Those figures translate to roughly $189 to $199 per day — or approximately $69,000 to $72,700 per year.
But those statewide averages can be dangerously misleading, especially if you live in a major metro area. In Baton Rouge, nursing home facilities are currently running about $285 to $288 per day — roughly $8,650 to $8,740 per month, or $104,000 to $105,000 per year. That's nearly 50% higher than the statewide average, and it puts Baton Rouge much closer to national pricing than most Louisiana families realize. New Orleans and Houma are similarly expensive, while Monroe and parts of northern Louisiana remain more affordable.
To put that in context, the median household income for adults 65 and older nationwide is around $60,000 per year. For many Louisiana retirees, a single year of nursing home care could exceed their entire annual income.
Rising Faster Than Inflation — Even in Louisiana
While Louisiana's costs are lower than the national median of roughly $315 per day for a semi-private room, the same upward trajectory that affects the rest of the country is at work here too. Nationally, long-term care costs have risen at an average annual rate of about 3.7% over the past decade, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data — well above the general inflation rate of roughly 2.5% over the same period. In 2024 alone, private nursing home room costs nationwide jumped by 9% in a single year.
Louisiana has not been immune to these increases. Assisted living costs in the state rose by nearly 27% between 2021 and 2024, according to Genworth data. Nursing home costs have followed a similar pattern. A semi-private room that cost roughly $4,500 per month in Louisiana just a few years ago now runs closer to $5,759 — and the trend shows no sign of slowing.
The forces driving these increases are especially relevant in Louisiana. Staffing shortages in the healthcare industry have pushed wages higher for nurses and certified nursing assistants, and those labor costs get passed along to residents. Our state's high rates of chronic conditions — diabetes, heart disease, obesity — mean that residents often require more intensive and costly care. And as the Baby Boomer generation ages, demand for nursing home beds continues to grow against a limited supply.
The CareScout Cost of Care Survey identifies inflation and labor costs as the two equal drivers of rising long-term care expenses nationwide. In Louisiana, where healthcare worker wages have historically been lower than the national average, the upward pressure on salaries to attract and retain staff may drive even steeper percentage increases in the years ahead.
Why Your Long-Term Care Insurance Probably Falls Short
Many Louisiana families who planned ahead and purchased long-term care insurance assume they're fully protected. The reality is more complicated. Most policies don't come close to covering the full daily cost of a nursing home — even in a relatively affordable state like ours.
When you buy a long-term care policy, you select a daily or monthly benefit amount. A common benefit level might be $150 per day, or around $4,500 to $6,000 per month. That might have sounded adequate based on Louisiana's statewide averages, but if you live in the Baton Rouge area where facilities are charging $285 to $288 per day, a $150-per-day policy leaves you covering $135 or more out of pocket every single day — roughly $4,100 per month, or nearly $50,000 per year, that your insurance won't touch.
A policy purchased 15 years ago with a $100-per-day benefit is even more alarming. Even with a 3% annual inflation rider, which is the most common option, that $100 benefit would have grown to only about $156 per day by now. Against Baton Rouge's current rates, that leaves a gap of roughly $130 per day — nearly $47,500 per year in out-of-pocket costs, on top of the premiums you've been paying all along. And that's with inflation protection. Without it, a $100-per-day benefit covers barely a third of the actual daily cost.
And 3% inflation protection simply isn't keeping pace with actual cost increases. When care costs are rising at 3.7% or more on average — and occasionally spiking by 5% to 9% in a single year — even the compound inflation rider falls behind over time. For policies without any inflation protection at all, the gap is enormous.
There's another limitation many policyholders don't fully appreciate: benefit periods are capped. Most modern long-term care policies limit benefits to three to five years, with lifetime maximums that might range from $165,000 to $300,000. At Baton Rouge rates of $285 to $288 per day, a $165,000 total benefit would be exhausted in less than 19 months — well short of the average nursing home stay of two to three years, and far short of what many residents ultimately need.
Premiums are another growing concern. Insurers have dramatically raised rates on existing policies as they've confronted the reality that people are living longer and filing more claims than originally projected. It's not uncommon for a Louisiana policyholder who was paying $1,800 a year to now face annual premiums of $5,000 or more for the same coverage — forcing painful decisions about whether to keep paying, reduce benefits, or drop the policy after years of investment.
What Medicare and Louisiana Medicaid Actually Cover
Many Louisiana residents mistakenly believe Medicare will handle a long-term nursing home stay. It won't. Medicare covers skilled nursing care for a maximum of 100 days following a qualifying three-day hospital stay, and after day 20 there's a daily copayment of $217 in 2026. Medicare does not cover the custodial care — help with bathing, dressing, eating, and daily activities — that makes up the majority of nursing home stays.
Louisiana Medicaid (known as Healthy Louisiana) does cover long-term nursing home care, but the eligibility requirements are strict. In 2026, a single applicant must have income below $2,982 per month and countable assets of $2,000 or less. For married couples, the non-applicant spouse can retain up to $162,660 in assets through the Community Spouse Resource Allowance, but the financial requirements still demand that most families spend down the vast majority of their savings before qualifying.
Louisiana also applies a five-year look-back period on asset transfers, meaning gifts or transfers made within five years of applying for Medicaid can result in a penalty period of ineligibility. And Medicaid beneficiaries must contribute almost all of their monthly income toward their care, retaining only a $45-per-month personal needs allowance — one of the lowest in the country.
It's also important to note that not all Louisiana nursing homes accept Medicaid patients, and those that do may have waiting lists. Medicaid generally only covers semi-private rooms, so residents hoping for a private room will need to pay the difference out of pocket.
Planning for the Reality — A Louisiana Perspective
None of this means long-term care insurance is a bad investment. Even a policy that doesn't cover the full daily cost can significantly reduce the financial burden on your family and delay or prevent the need to spend down assets to qualify for Medicaid. But Louisiana families need to plan with realistic expectations about what their coverage will and won't pay for.
If you're evaluating or already holding a policy, consider matching your daily benefit to actual costs in your part of the state, not just the statewide average. If you live in the Baton Rouge metro, you need to plan for $285 or more per day — not the $189 statewide figure that appears in most surveys. Costs in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast corridor are similarly elevated above statewide averages. Choose compound inflation protection over simple interest if available — the difference becomes substantial over 10 to 20 years. If your premiums have become unaffordable, explore options with your insurer such as reducing inflation protection in exchange for a lower premium rather than dropping coverage entirely.
Beyond insurance, build a dedicated savings cushion specifically earmarked for the gap between your policy benefits and actual care costs. In the Baton Rouge area, a policy paying $150 per day leaves a shortfall of $135 or more per day — that's roughly $49,000 per year. Over a three-year stay, you're looking at nearly $150,000 in out-of-pocket costs on top of your insurance.
For families who may eventually need Medicaid, consulting with a Louisiana elder law attorney well before care is needed can be invaluable. Proper Medicaid planning — done within the rules and well in advance of the five-year look-back period — can help protect a spouse's assets and ensure you have options when the time comes.
Louisiana's relatively low cost of care is a genuine advantage, but it shouldn't breed complacency. Long-term care costs here are rising just as they are everywhere else, and the gap between what insurance pays and what facilities charge is real and growing. The earlier you start planning — and the more honestly you assess that gap — the better positioned you and your family will be.
How Losavio & DeJean Can Help
Navigating the intersection of long-term care costs, insurance gaps, Medicaid eligibility, and asset protection is complex — and the stakes are too high to go it alone. That's where Losavio & DeJean, LLC comes in.
As Louisiana's premier elder law and estate planning firm, Losavio & DeJean has over 45 years of experience helping seniors and families across the state plan for the realities of aging and long-term care. Their team includes Peter J. Losavio, Jr. — one of only approximately 600 Certified Elder Law Attorneys in the country, and the only one in Louisiana — along with attorneys specializing in veterans' affairs, estate planning, and Medicaid qualifying, as well as a registered nurse and case manager on staff.
Losavio & DeJean can help Louisiana families with the specific challenges outlined in this article, including estate planning tools such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that protect the assets you've worked a lifetime to build; Medicaid planning strategies that work within Louisiana's strict eligibility rules and five-year look-back period, helping you qualify for benefits while preserving assets for a surviving spouse or family; asset protection planning to shield your savings from the financial devastation of a long-term nursing home stay; and retirement tax planning to maximize the resources available for your care.
Their firm has saved clients millions in federal taxes and Medicaid spend-down costs, and their client testimonials speak to the peace of mind that comes from having a knowledgeable advocate in your corner — especially when a spouse or parent suddenly needs nursing home care and the financial clock starts ticking.
Whether you're years away from needing care and want to plan ahead, or you're facing an immediate crisis and need to understand your options now, Losavio & DeJean can help you build a plan that protects your family's financial future.
The statistics cited in this article reflect 2025–2026 data from sources including the CareScout (formerly Genworth) Cost of Care Survey, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, and the Louisiana Department of Health. Individual costs vary by facility, location within the state, and level of care required. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
Many people believe wills are only necessary for retirees or individuals with substantial wealth. In reality, every adult should have a legally valid will regardless of age or financial status. Life is unpredictable, and having a comprehensive estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. One of the primary reasons to have a will is that it allows you—not the courts—to decide who receives your property. Without a will, Louisiana's intestate succession laws determine how your estate is distributed, which may not reflect your personal wishes. A will also allows you to appoint a trusted executor to handle your affairs and settle your estate efficiently. Parents of minor children have another critical reason to establish a will. A will is the legal document that allows you to nominate a guardian for your children if something unexpected happens to you. Without this designation, the court must determine who will assume responsibility, potentially leading to family disputes or decisions you would not have chosen. Creating a will is not simply about distributing assets—it's about protecting your family's future. At Losavio & DeJean Elder Law Firm , our experienced estate planning attorneys guide Louisiana families through every step of the process, ensuring each will is customized to meet individual goals while complying with state law. Taking action today can provide lasting security and peace of mind for tomorrow.
A comprehensive estate plan involves much more than writing a will . Several legal documents work together to ensure your wishes are carried out while protecting your family during difficult circumstances. The foundation typically begins with a Last Will and Testament. A will specifies how assets should be distributed and allows you to name guardians for minor children. However, many families also benefit from establishing trusts that can help avoid probate , provide greater privacy, and offer additional asset protection. Financial and healthcare powers of attorney are equally important. These documents authorize trusted individuals to make financial or medical decisions if you become unable to act on your own behalf. Without these documents, your loved ones may need to pursue court intervention simply to help manage your affairs . Healthcare directives provide additional clarity by documenting your medical treatment preferences during serious illness. Together, these documents create a comprehensive estate plan that protects both your assets and your family's ability to make decisions during unexpected situations.
For many Louisiana families, retirement accounts represent one of the largest assets they will ever own. Whether you have spent decades contributing to a 401(k) , built wealth through a Roth IRA, or maintain both, these accounts deserve the same attention as your home, investments, and other estate assets. Unfortunately, many people assume that simply naming a beneficiary is enough. In reality, retirement account planning involves complex legal, tax, and estate planning considerations that can significantly impact your loved ones after your passing. At Losavio & DeJean, LLC , The Louisiana Elder Law Firm, retirement planning goes beyond investment performance. The firm's comprehensive approach combines elder law, estate planning , and retirement tax planning to help clients protect what they have worked so hard to build. By coordinating retirement accounts with wills, trusts , powers of attorney , and long-term care planning, families can create a more complete strategy for preserving wealth while minimizing unnecessary complications. The firm specifically offers 401(k) and Roth IRA assistance as part of its tax and estate planning services. One of the most common mistakes people make is failing to review beneficiary designations after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a spouse. Because retirement accounts generally transfer according to beneficiary forms rather than a will, outdated designations can unintentionally disinherit family members or create unnecessary legal issues. In Louisiana , where estate planning laws have unique considerations, coordinating retirement accounts with your overall estate plan is especially important. If your goal is to leave a lasting legacy while protecting your family's financial future, professional guidance can make a significant difference. Losavio & DeJean works with clients throughout Louisiana to develop customized estate and retirement tax strategies designed to preserve assets, reduce taxes where possible, and provide peace of mind for future generations. Whether you are approaching retirement or already enjoying it, reviewing your 401(k) and Roth IRA as part of your estate plan is an investment in your family's future.
Receiving a letter from the IRS can be stressful, especially if you're unsure why it was sent or what action you need to take. Many Louisiana taxpayers immediately assume the worst, but the reality is that IRS notices cover a wide range of issues—from simple requests for additional information to audits, tax balances, or corrections to a filed return. Acting quickly and appropriately can often prevent a relatively minor issue from becoming a much larger financial problem. One of the biggest mistakes taxpayers make is ignoring IRS correspondence. Interest and penalties continue to accrue on unpaid balances, and failing to respond can eventually result in liens, wage garnishments, or levies. Even if you disagree with the notice, responding within the timeframe provided preserves your rights and often leads to a more favorable outcome. Understanding exactly what the IRS is requesting is the first step toward resolving the matter. At Losavio & Dejean Elder Law Firm, our attorneys understand that tax issues often overlap with retirement planning , estate planning, business ownership, and elder law concerns. We work with clients to review IRS notices, explain their options, communicate with the IRS when appropriate, and develop practical solutions that minimize financial consequences whenever possible. Every situation is different, and having experienced legal guidance can provide peace of mind during an otherwise overwhelming process. If you've received an IRS notice, don't wait until deadlines pass. Early intervention often creates the greatest number of resolution options. Whether your concern involves unpaid taxes, an audit, retirement distributions , or estate-related tax questions, our team is prepared to help you understand your rights and determine the best path forward.
For many Louisiana veterans and their families, Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits can provide critical financial assistance, healthcare access, and long-term care support. Unfortunately, many eligible veterans never receive the benefits they have earned simply because they are unaware of the programs available or find the application process overwhelming. Understanding your options is the first step toward securing the financial security and peace of mind you deserve. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers several different benefit programs, including disability compensation, VA pensions, healthcare, education assistance, survivor benefits, and long-term care assistance. One of the most valuable programs for aging veterans is the VA Pension with Aid and Attendance benefit, which can help qualifying veterans and surviving spouses pay for in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home expenses. Because eligibility depends on military service, income, assets, and medical needs, determining qualification often requires careful legal and financial planning. Many families mistakenly believe they must spend all of their assets before qualifying for VA benefits. In reality, strategic planning may help veterans preserve a significant portion of their estate while still meeting eligibility requirements. Coordinating VA benefits with Medicaid planning, estate planning , trusts , and powers of attorney can also help families prepare for future healthcare needs while protecting assets for loved ones. At Losavio & DeJean , our elder law attorneys help Louisiana veterans understand every available benefit while developing comprehensive plans that support long-term financial stability. Whether you are applying for benefits for the first time, planning for long-term care, or helping an aging parent navigate the VA system, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how your military service may qualify you for valuable benefits.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Medicaid is that it is only available to individuals with little or no assets. In reality, qualifying for Medicaid in Louisiana is often a matter of careful legal planning rather than simply spending everything you own. For families facing the possibility of nursing home care or other long-term care needs, understanding the Medicaid qualification process early can protect both financial security and peace of mind. The cost of long-term care continues to rise, making Medicaid one of the most important government benefit programs available to seniors. However, Medicaid eligibility involves strict income and asset requirements that many families find confusing. Certain assets may be exempt, while others could affect eligibility. Additionally, transferring property or giving away assets without proper legal guidance can trigger significant penalties that delay benefits. Planning ahead allows families to preserve more of what they have worked a lifetime to build while still obtaining the care they need. At Losavio & DeJean , The Louisiana Elder Law Firm, Medicaid planning is about much more than filling out paperwork. The firm's attorneys work closely with clients to evaluate their financial situation, explain available planning strategies, and develop customized legal solutions designed to protect assets while pursuing Medicaid eligibility. Every family's circumstances are different, which is why individualized legal advice is essential. If you or a loved one may require nursing home care now or in the future, don't wait until a crisis occurs. Early Medicaid planning provides more options and greater flexibility. Contact Losavio & DeJean to learn how proactive planning can help preserve your family's legacy while ensuring access to quality long-term care throughout Louisiana . The firm's experienced elder law team helps families navigate the complexities of Medicaid planning with confidence and compassion.
Interdiction is one of the most important legal tools available to families who need to protect a loved one who can no longer make safe or informed decisions. While many people have heard the term, few understand exactly what it means or when it becomes necessary. In Louisiana , interdiction is a court-supervised legal process that allows a qualified individual to make decisions on behalf of someone who has lost the ability to care for themselves or manage their affairs due to illness, injury, cognitive decline, or disability. Families often seek guidance on interdiction after a loved one has developed dementia, suffered a traumatic brain injury, or experienced another condition that significantly affects decision-making. Losavio & DeJean helps Louisiana families understand this complex process while focusing on preserving dignity and protecting vulnerable individuals. Unlike a Power of Attorney , which must generally be signed while someone still has legal capacity, interdiction is typically pursued after an individual has already lost the ability to execute legal documents. During the process, the court reviews medical evidence, hears testimony, and determines whether the individual requires a full or limited interdiction. If granted, the court appoints a curator to manage financial, legal, and sometimes personal decisions in the individual's best interest. Interdiction should never be viewed as taking away someone's rights unnecessarily. Instead, Louisiana courts strive to preserve as much independence as possible while providing protections that help prevent financial exploitation, unsafe living situations, or harmful medical decisions. In many cases, limited interdiction allows individuals to retain certain rights while receiving assistance only in areas where they truly need support. If your family is questioning whether interdiction is appropriate, consulting an experienced Louisiana elder law attorney early can help you understand all available options. At Losavio & DeJean, our team guides families through every step of the interdiction process with compassion, experience, and a commitment to protecting your loved one's future.
Retirement accounts often represent years of disciplined saving and careful financial planning, yet many families unknowingly make mistakes that can complicate the transfer of these assets. While investment performance receives much of the attention, proper legal planning is equally important. Without coordinating your 401(k) and Roth IRA with your overall estate plan, your loved ones may encounter avoidable tax issues , probate concerns, or beneficiary disputes. One of the most frequent mistakes is failing to update beneficiary designations. Another common oversight is assuming a will automatically controls retirement accounts. In most cases, beneficiary forms determine who inherits these assets regardless of what your will says. Families also overlook the importance of naming contingent beneficiaries, reviewing retirement accounts after significant life changes, and ensuring powers of attorney include authority to manage retirement assets if incapacity occurs. Comprehensive estate planning addresses these issues before they become problems. At Losavio & DeJean , clients receive guidance that extends beyond preparing legal documents. The firm's elder law attorneys evaluate retirement accounts alongside trusts, wills , powers of attorney , tax planning strategies, Medicaid planning , and long-term asset preservation to help clients protect both themselves and future generations. Their integrated approach is designed to create clarity while reducing the risk of costly mistakes. Retirement planning should never be viewed as a separate process from estate planning. As tax laws evolve and family circumstances change, periodic reviews help ensure your retirement accounts continue supporting your long-term goals. Working with experienced estate planning professionals provides confidence that your hard-earned savings will be distributed according to your wishes while helping your family avoid unnecessary legal and financial challenges.
Many taxpayers believe they have no options once they owe money to the IRS . In reality, there are often several potential solutions depending on the amount owed, your financial circumstances, and the reason the debt exists. The key is understanding which options are available before collection efforts become more aggressive. IRS tax debt can lead to liens, levies, wage garnishments, bank account seizures, and ongoing penalties if left unresolved. However, taxpayers may qualify for installment agreements, penalty relief, payment negotiations, or other resolution strategies depending on their individual situation. The earlier these options are explored, the more flexibility generally exists. At Losavio & Dejean Elder Law Firm , we recognize that tax debt frequently intersects with estate planning , business ownership , retirement planning , and asset protection. Our attorneys help clients evaluate available resolution strategies while considering their broader financial picture. Rather than focusing solely on the immediate tax issue, we work toward protecting long-term financial security whenever possible. No one should feel intimidated by IRS correspondence or collection activity. Seeking legal guidance early allows you to better understand your rights, evaluate your available options, and make informed decisions before problems become significantly more expensive.
One of the most common questions elder law attorneys receive is whether veterans can receive both Medicaid and VA benefits . The answer is often yes—but understanding how the two programs interact is critical. Without proper planning, families may unintentionally jeopardize eligibility for one program while applying for another. VA benefits and Medicaid each have their own eligibility requirements regarding income, assets, and medical need. While certain VA pension payments may affect Medicaid calculations, there are many situations where veterans can receive valuable assistance from both programs. This is particularly important for individuals facing significant long-term care expenses in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Because these programs overlap in complex ways, attempting to navigate them without professional guidance can lead to unnecessary delays or costly mistakes. Proper planning often involves reviewing assets, creating estate planning documents, evaluating trusts , and ensuring all financial decisions support both immediate and future eligibility. At Losavio & DeJean , our attorneys routinely help Louisiana families coordinate Medicaid qualifying with Veterans Benefits planning. By taking a comprehensive approach, we help clients preserve assets, protect spouses, and maximize every benefit available under the law. Planning ahead often provides families with greater financial flexibility and significantly less stress during an already challenging time.
