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Free personalized senior living guidance for families
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Louisiana · Everything here is free · Reviewed July 2026
If you're caring for an aging parent — or facing these years yourself — and the money just isn't there for paid senior living, take heart. Louisiana has free programs that can pay for care at home, cover your medical costs, help with groceries, and make Medicare make sense. Most families simply never get told these exist.
Not sure where to start? Call for free1-866-758-5035The Office of Aging and Adult Services helps older adults understand long-term care and in-home options. To apply for long-term care services and waivers, you can also call Louisiana Options in Long-Term Care at 1-877-456-1146.
Everything on this page is free. You won't be charged to call these numbers or use these services. They're here for exactly this reason: to help older Louisianans who need a hand.
You don't have to understand it all today. One phone call is enough to begin.
Tap what fits. You'll jump straight to the right help — no reading through the rest.
Still not sure? Just make the call above — they'll help you figure it out. One call is a great start.
Start here for most families
Most people would rather stay home than move into a facility. Louisiana Medicaid's Community Choices Waiver (CCW), run by OAAS, is built for that.
Call to apply or learn more. You can also reach the OAAS Helpline at 1-866-758-5035.
Medicaid generally does not cover the room-and-board rent of assisted living, but a waiver may cover the care services. Ask what applies to you.
Louisiana Medicaid (delivered through Healthy Louisiana health plans) covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and long-term care — including nursing facilities and services that help you stay home.
For seniors, eligibility depends on income and assets. The limits are lower than many expect, but there are protections for married couples and special rules for long-term care, and your home and one car usually don't count. These limits change every year, so please don't assume you won't qualify — call and check.
Call Monday through Friday to apply for Healthy Louisiana Medicaid.
Apply online
Apply for Healthy Louisiana Medicaid online (or at myplan.healthy.la.gov).
For long-term care specifically. You can also call the OAAS Helpline at 1-866-758-5035.
If it feels like a lot, OAAS and SHIIP can help you at no cost.
PACE combines all your medical care, prescriptions, therapy, and social support into one program, often built around a day center. Most participants have both Medicare and Medicaid and pay little or nothing.
Louisiana has PACE programs, but they don't cover every parish.
Call OAAS or your ADRC to check availability, or search the National PACE Association's directory.
If you're on Medicare
Two programs can lower your Medicare costs, and many who qualify never apply:
Louisiana Medicaid handles Medicare Savings Program applications.
Apply for the prescription drug subsidy through Social Security.
SHIIP can help you apply for both programs at no cost.
SHIIP, part of the Louisiana Department of Insurance, gives free, unbiased one-on-one Medicare help. Counselors compare drug and health plans so you pay less, help you enroll on time, fix billing problems, and check whether you qualify for cost-saving programs. They are not salespeople.
Reach a SHIIP counselor for free, unbiased Medicare help.
Everyday essentials
Run by the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS), also reachable as 1-888-LAHELP-U. SNAP adds money to a card each month for groceries.
Available through your local Council on Aging — reach them through GOEA or your ADRC.
Worried about rent, utilities, or staying safe at home?
Dial 211 for housing, rent, and utility help in your area.
Contact your local Council on Aging through GOEA for senior housing, utility assistance, and home repair help.
Guidance & protection
Louisiana's Area Agencies on Aging and Councils on Aging, coordinated by the Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs (GOEA), offer Meals on Wheels, transportation, caregiver support, and benefits counseling for people 60 and older.
Reach GOEA to find your local Area Agency on Aging or Council on Aging.
Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
Find your local Aging & Disability Resource Center.
The national service that connects older adults to local aging resources.
Area Agencies on Aging fund free civil legal help under the Older Americans Act for issues like Medicaid denials, housing, consumer scams, and elder abuse. Ask GOEA or your local Council on Aging.
Dial 211 to be connected with legal aid in your area.
If a loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted living and something isn't right, the Louisiana State Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate.
They work to resolve complaints and protect residents' rights.
Dial 211 for free, statewide help with almost any need.
Connects you to trusted local aging resources.
Call the OAAS Helpline at 1-866-758-5035 (or 1-877-456-1146 for long-term care) and describe your situation.
Call for free1-866-758-5035Healthy Louisiana is how the state delivers Medicaid — health coverage, including long-term care, for people with limited income and resources.
Usually not. Medicare covers short-term medical care, not ongoing long-term care. Medicaid and the Community Choices Waiver are what help with that.
Very possibly. Many people on Social Security qualify for Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program. Limits change yearly, so call 1-888-342-6207 and check.
Ask about Medicare Savings Programs through Louisiana Medicaid (1-888-342-6207) and Extra Help through Social Security (1-800-772-1213). SHIIP can help you apply.
Yes — that's what the Community Choices Waiver is for. Call 1-877-456-1146 or the OAAS Helpline at 1-866-758-5035.
Yes. OAAS, SHIIP, and 211 are all free. You never pay for guidance.
Reaching out isn't giving up — it's taking charge, for yourself or someone you love. The people answering these lines want to help older Louisianans stay safe and cared for. Make one call today, and let them help carry the load.
Program details, income limits, and contact information can change. The agencies linked above can confirm the most current specifics for your situation. This page is for general information and isn't legal or financial advice.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Program details, income limits, and contact information can change — the linked agencies confirm the most current specifics.