Louisiana Department of Insurance

The Louisiana Health Plan has immediate openings for over 1,800 new policyholders for the High Risk Health Insurance Pool. The High Risk Pool provides coverage for individuals who have been denied coverage by traditional, private health insurance companies.

There are a limited number of openings in the Louisiana Health Plan, which will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident of Louisiana for the past six consecutive months;
- Be able to provide at least two written denials of health insurance coverage due to any medical condition and not be eligible for Medicaid, Medicare, group coverage, or COBRA; and
- Not be covered currently under major medical health insurance.

However, coverage through limited benefit policies such as "hospital only" policies or cancer policies does not exclude an applicant from coverage in the Louisiana Health Plan.

Those covered through this high risk pool are provided with major medical health coverage and the option of seeking care through a preferred provider organization similar to those used by most employer provided health plans. The high risk pool covers most medical procedures; however, mental health, substance abuse and maternity are not covered. Additionally, pre-existing conditions are not covered the first six months the policy is in effect.

Any licensed health insurance agent in the state of Louisiana can provide assistance to interested individuals. Agents receive a processing fee for assisting with the completion of the High Risk Pool applications. Applications can be downloaded and more information can be obtained from the website at www.lahealthplan.org. If further assistance is needed please contact the Louisiana Health Plan at 1-800-736-0947.

-30-