Medicaid

	1. What is LaMOMS?

	2. Who can apply for LaMOMS?

	3. What are the income limits for LaMOMS?

	4. Will the LaMOMS income limits change?

	5. How can I apply for LaMOMS?

	6. What will happen to my LaMOMS application?

	7. What services are covered through the LaMOMS program?

	8. Can I choose my own doctor through the LaMOMS program?

	9. Can I be paid back for medical services I received before I applied for LaMOMS?

	10. Is LaMOMS part of Medicaid and does it use the same application you fill out to qualify for Medicaid?

	11. What if I am interested in LaMOMS but I already have insurance coverage?

	12. How much will LaMOMS cost me?

	13.  What if I am not a U. S. citizen?

	14. If I am still waiting for my legal citizenship documents, am I covered?

	15. If my income or household changes, will I lose my health coverage through LaMOMS?

	16. If I'm covered by LaMOMS, what health care coverage will my child have after birth?

	17. Who can I call for help to complete an application for any Medicaid program?

Medicaid

	What is LaMOMS?  Back to Top Launched on January 1, 2003, LaMOMS is no-cost health coverage for any pregnant women, married or single, who fall into new expanded income guidelines.  For example, a woman in a family of four (the unborn child is included in the family size) can have a monthly household income up to $3,225 and still qualify for this program.

	Who can apply for LaMOMS?  Back to Top Any pregnant woman, married or single, may apply for health coverage. Income limits are higher so working couples can make more money and still be eligible. We do not count resources such as bank accounts, cash on hand, cars or property.

What are the income limits for LaMOMS?  Back to Top The figures below are good from April 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010.   Number in Family (include the unborn child)   Monthly Income 1 $ 1,805 2 $ 2,429 3 $ 3,052 4 $ 3,675 5 $ 4,299 6 $ 4,922 7 $ 5,545 8 $ 6,169   If you have more than 8 people in your family, add $624 to $6,169 for each person.   . Even if your income is more than these amounts, you may still qualify.  You can receive these deductions from your total income: $90 for each employed person Disregard of educational income Disregard of child support paid outside your home Up to $50 for child support received Up to $200/month for child care payments for EACH child under age 2 Up to $175/month for child care payments for EACH child over age 2

	Will the LaMOMS income limits change?  Back to Top Income limits increase each year on April 1st.

How can I apply for LaMOMS?  Back to Top You must fill out an application form.  If needed, someone can assist you in completing the form.  You can get an application form from the Medicaid office in the parish where you live, at any of the participating Medicaid Application Centers, from our Web site by clicking here, or by calling 1-888-342-6207.  The application form with your information can be mailed to your local Medicaid office.

	What will happen to my LaMOMS application?  Back to Top We will make a prompt decision and you will be notified no later than 45 days after we get your application. Coverage can start as early as three months before the month we get your application (if you were pregnant during that time period).  DON'T WAIT!  Get the form to us as soon as you can.

	What services are covered through the LaMOMS program?  Back to Top We will pay for pregnancy-related services, delivery and care up to 60 days after your pregnancy ends including doctor visits, lab work/tests, prescription medicines and hospital care.  For more information on covered services, click here.

Can I choose my own doctor through the LaMOMS program?  Back to Top You may use any doctor who is enrolled as a Medicaid provider. To get a list of doctors, dentists or other medical service providers in your parish who take Medicaid, please visit our Provider Map page. This page will let you search for Medicaid services in your parish. If there is no doctor listed in your parish, try searching for doctors in your region or in the parishes around yours.   You can also call 1-877-455-9955 toll-free for a listing of specialists (including dentists) in your area who are enrolled and active in Medicaid programs.   It is important to remember that not all doctors who are active in the Medicaid program are taking new patients. Be sure to ask the doctor’s office if they are taking new Medicaid patients when you call to schedule an appointment. If you have private insurance in addition to LaMOMS, be sure to ask if your doctor accepts Medicaid as a "secondary" payer.

	Can I be paid back for medical services I received before I applied for LaMOMS?  Back to Top You may be eligible to be paid back for medical services received up to three months before you applied if: -You are eligible on the date the service was received, and -You used a Medicaid provider, and -The service is covered by the Medicaid Program.

Is LaMOMS part of Medicaid and does it use the same application you fill out to qualify for Medicaid?  Back to Top Yes, it is part of Medicaid; however we have a simplified one page application which can be completed. The key requirements for eligibility are verification of income and verification of pregnancy/expected date of delivery.  Only verifications not available to our agency through other sources will be required from applicants.

	What if I am interested in LaMOMS but I already have insurance coverage?  Back to Top You can have other insurance coverage in addition to LaMOMS.  Your other insurance will pay first, and then Medicaid will cover the amount that is left, up to the Medicaid allowed amount.

	How much will LaMOMS cost me?  Back to Top There are NO enrollment fees, NO premiums, NO co-payments, and NO deductibles.

	What if I am not a U. S. citizen?  Back to Top Applicants for Medicaid must: - Provide the State with documentation of citizenship or alien status, and - Sign a declaration that the applicant is a citizen or national of the United States or an alien in a satisfactory immigration status.

	If I am still waiting for my legal citizenship documents, am I covered?  Back to Top Illegal aliens and legal aliens otherwise ineligible for Medicaid may be eligible for emergency services and/or emergency labor and delivery services.

	If my income or household changes, will I lose my health coverage through LaMOMS?  Back to Top Once enrolled, a pregnant woman will keep this coverage until 60 days after her pregnancy ends, regardless of income or household changes.

	If I'm covered by LaMOMS, what health care coverage will my child have after birth?  Back to Top When your child is born, he or she will automatically be enrolled in LaCHIP, the no cost health insurance program for children under 19.

	Who can I call for help to complete an application for any Medicaid program?  Back to Top If you need help to complete the application form or to get any of the needed proof, please call us toll free at 1-888-342-6207.  If you are hearing impaired, you may call the TTY number at 1-800-220-5404.