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Hicks, LA · Health

Louisiana Illuminator

partner publisher · 16.4K followers

Medicaid provider might end its coverage for Ochsner network, affecting 70,000

One of Louisiana’s four Medicaid plans might no longer cover treatment at the state’s largest healthcare network, Ochsner Health System, after Dec. 1, potentially affecting 70,000 people.

Louisiana · 29d

houmatimes.com

website

Louisiana expands Medicaid coverage for inmates before release

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has formally approved Louisiana’s 1115 Reentry Demonstration, authorizing the state to receive Federal Financial Participation (FFP) for providing Medicaid pre‑release services to eligible incarcerated individuals. Louisiana is one of three states receiving new demonstration approvals, alongside Minnesota and Nevada, as part of CMS’s national initiative to strengthen continuity of care for individuals returning to their communities. The waiver positions Louisiana to join 18 other states implementing CMS-approved reentry demonstrations.Louisiana’s demonstration will allow both Medicaid-required and state-defined coverage for specific services during the 60 days prior to release, removing gaps in care created by the existing inmate exclusion.“Louisiana is leading the way with an approach that can improve health, strengthen communities, and help people successfully return to their families and build productive lives,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “I appreciate CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz and our federal partners for working with our team to move this important initiative forward.”“Our goal from the beginning has been to build a system that helps keep Louisianians safe while using taxpayer dollars more efficiently and effectively,” said LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein. “By beginning care before release and connecting people with providers in their communities, we can improve health outcomes and build a more effective, sustainable system of care.”LDH is preparing to launch the demonstration at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in early 2027, followed by remaining state prisons and participating parish jails.

Louisiana · 27d

WAFB

publisher · 61.1K followers

Medicare open enrollment underway

Louisiana · 26d

The Center Square

partner publisher · 229.1K followers

Louisiana gets approval for inmate Medicaid care before release

(The Center Square) – Louisiana has received federal approval to use Medicaid funding for certain health services during the 60 days before eligible incarcerated individuals leave prison or jail, with an initial launch planned for early 2027. The Louisiana Department of Health said Friday that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved the state’s Section 1115 Reentry Demonstration. The approval allows Louisiana to receive federal matching funds for covered services before participants return to their communities. The department plans to begin the program at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center before expanding to the remaining state prisons and participating parish jails. The announcement did not include projected program costs, the amount of state funding required or an estimate of how many people would receive services. The Center Square reached out to the department for details on costs, eligibility and how the program would change expenses currently paid by corrections agencies or parish governments. “Our goal from the beginning has been to build a system that helps keep Louisianians safe while using taxpayer dollars more efficiently and effectively,” Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein said in a statement. “By beginning care before release and connecting people with providers in their communities, we can improve

Louisiana · 28d

WWL

publisher · 145.8K followers

Louisiana Medicaid patients risk losing coverage amid contract dispute

Louisiana · 28d

KEDM

website

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner advises Medicare recipients to review their coverage

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple reminds Medicare beneficiaries to review their coverage during the annual Open Enrollment Period, which runs from Thursday, October 15th through Monday, December 7th, 2026. Any changes made during this window will take effect on January 1st, 2027. During Open Enrollment, beneficiaries have the opportunity to...

Louisiana · 29d

alt923.com

website

Maternal Health Takes Center Stage at Xavier University

A special summit at Xavier University was all about improving maternal health outcomes for women and families in our community. The reproductive health summit brought together state lawmakers and health care professionals to discuss critical gaps in care. Louisiana saw 222 maternal health deaths last year. Health care leaders say nearly 90 percent of those were preventable. in addition to education, there was also advocacy and a call to action when it comes to women’s health policies in Louisiana. In addition, the reproductive health summit highlighted services–like the Family Connects program–that directly address critical gaps in care. The event was held in partnership with The Pontchartrain (La.) Chapter of The Links incorporated, The Cade Foundation, Xavier University and Ochsner Health System.

Louisiana · 27d

KPLC TV

website

October is Infection Prevention Month as flu, COVID cases rise in SWLA

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - October is Infection Prevention Month, and health officials in Southwest Louisiana are urging the public to take simple steps to stay healthy as flu and COVID cases increase. Dr. Timothy Hammond, chief medical officer for Christus Ochsner Southwest Louisiana, said infection prevention covers both hospital...

Louisiana · 28d

BRProud

partner publisher · 25.7K followers

Louisiana Medicare open enrollment begins Oct. 15. Here’s what to know

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is urging Medicare beneficiaries to review their coverage options ahead of the 2027 open enrollment period, which is scheduled to run from October 15 to December 7.

Louisiana · 29d

Main Street Dollars

partner publisher · 38.9K followers

Louisiana state employees and retirees face higher health premiums on Jan. 1 across every Pelican and Magnolia plan, with enrollment open until Nov. 15

Health premiums for Louisiana state workers and retirees go up on Jan. 1, and the window to change plans closes first. The Office of Group Benefits, the agency that runs the state’s health plans, says all Pelican and Magnolia health plans carry a 7.75% premium rate increase effective Jan. 1, 2027. Annual enrollment runs from […]

Louisiana · 10-11

KEDM

website

CMS approves Louisiana's 1115 Reentry Demonstration, authorizing pre-release services to eligible incarcerated individuals

The Louisiana Department of Health has announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has formally approved Louisiana’s 1115 Reentry Demonstration, authorizing the state to receive Federal Financial Participation for providing Medicaid pre‑release services to eligible incarcerated individuals. Louisiana is one of three states receiving new demonstration...

Louisiana · 29d

bizneworleans.com

website

Louisiana Blue Names Brian Keller CEO

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (Louisiana Blue) Board of Directors has named Brian P. Keller president and CEO, effective Dec. 1, 2026. Keller will succeed Bryan Camerlinck, who announced his planned retirement earlier this year. A New Orleans native, Keller has worked...

Louisiana · 29d

Louisiana Illuminator

partner publisher · 16.4K followers

Medicaid approves reentry care at Louisiana prisons, jails

Louisiana is joining 18 other states that provide federal government-supported healthcare access to incarcerated people near the end of their prison terms, with hopes it eases their reentry process.

Louisiana · 10-12

wbrz.com

website

Louisiana Department of Health announces Medicaid pre-release services for incarcerated individuals

BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Department of Health announced on Friday that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has approved Louisiana's 115 Reentry Demonstration, allowing the state to receive Federal Financial Participation for providing Medicaid pre-release services to incarcerated individuals. Louisiana is one of three states receiving new...

Louisiana · 10-09

westcentralsbest.com

website

CMS approves Louisiana's 1115 Reentry Demonstration authorizing pre-release services to eligible incarcerated individuals

Baton Rouge, La. (October 9, 2026) — The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has formally approved Louisiana’s 1115 Reentry Demonstration, authorizing the state to receive Federal Financial Participation (FFP) for providing Medicaid pre‑release services to eligible incarcerated individuals. Louisiana is one of three states receiving new demonstration approvals, alongside Minnesota and Nevada, as part of CMS’s national initiative to strengthen continuity of care for individuals returning to their communities. The waiver positions Louisiana to join 18 other states implementing CMS-approved reentry demonstrations.

Louisiana · 10-09

talk1073.com

website

Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: Louisiana Seniors Urged to Review Coverage and Avoid Scams

Medicare open enrollment brings important decisions for Louisiana seniors, especially as insurance companies change plans and prescription drug costs remain a concern. Ron Henderson of the Louisiana Department of Insurance joined Mornings With Brian Haldane to explain what beneficiaries should know before selecting their coverage. Review Medicare Costs and Coverage...

Louisiana · 10-09

louisianaradionetwork.com

website

Louisiana’s T.J. Woodward named NCPA National Pharmacist of the Year

The National Community Pharmacists Association names its National Pharmacist of the Year, and he hails from right here in Louisiana. T.J. Woodard owns Prescriptions to Geaux, which has two locations in Baton Rouge. Woodard, who owns the pharmacy with his wife, was very humble when he learned that he was named national pharmacist of the year by the NCPA.

Louisiana · 10-09

WNTZ

partner publisher · 10.1K followers

LSUA gets $1.39 million grant for rural nursing education

ALEXANDRIA, La. (WNTZ) – LSU Alexandria’s School of Nursing has received a $1.39 million grant from the Louisiana Department of Health to expand health care education and workforce training in rural communities across the state. The grant will support the development of learning labs at Winn Parish Medical Center, Avoyelles Hospital and Opelousas General Hospital. […]

Alexandria, LA · 10-09

BRProud

partner publisher · 25.7K followers

Louisiana Medicaid program to provide health care before inmates leave prison

The Louisiana Department of Health announced on October 9, 2026, that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has approved an 1115 Reentry Demonstration program to provide healthcare services to eligible incarcerated individuals starting in early 2027.

Louisiana · 10-09

evangelinetoday.com

website

An Important Update from Mercy Regional Medical Center

Allegiance Health Management announced today its planned divestiture of Mercy Regional Medical Center, along with three other Louisiana hospitals. This process is intended to position our hospital for long-term sustainability and continued service to our community. Mercy Regional Medical Center remains open and committed to providing quality healthcare to our patients throughout this transition.

Evangeline Parish, LA · 10-06