More than half of Louisiana’s Medicare beneficiaries get their coverage through Medicare Advantage. With carriers adjusting plans and benefits for 2027, it pays to review your options carefully.
This guide compares Medicare Advantage plans Louisiana residents can choose for 2027, including top carriers, costs, and how to enroll.
1. What Medicare Advantage Plans Are Available in Louisiana?
Medicare Advantage plans Louisiana beneficiaries can join come from a mix of national insurers and well-known regional brands.
In 2026, the state had 117 Medicare Advantage plans, with Humana, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, UnitedHealthcare, Peoples Health, and Aetna offering the most options.
Market Changes Affecting 2027 Choices
Several changes affect Medicare Advantage plans Louisiana members can choose for 2027:
- Humana plan exits: Humana is exiting plans that cover about 600,000 members nationwide for 2027. If you have a Humana plan, check your Annual Notice of Change to see whether it continues.
- Ochsner’s earlier exit: Ochsner Health Plan left the Medicare Advantage market at the end of 2025, so former members have already moved to other carriers.
- Medicaid plan change for dual-eligible members: Healthy Blue is leaving Louisiana’s Medicaid program for 2027. People with both Medicare and Medicaid should confirm how their coverage works together.
- National benefit trims: Many insurers are adjusting supplemental benefits and networks for 2027.
Plan Types Available in Louisiana
Most Medicare Advantage plans Louisiana offers fall into these types:
- HMO and HMO-POS: Lower costs with a set network; HMO-POS plans allow some out-of-network care.
- PPO: More flexibility to see out-of-network providers, usually at a higher cost.
- Special Needs Plans (SNPs): D-SNPs for people with both Medicare and Medicaid, and C-SNPs for people with certain chronic conditions. Louisiana had more than 20 D-SNPs in 2026.
>>> Read more: AARP Medicare Advantage Plans: How They Work, What They Cover & 2027 Changes
2. Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Louisiana for 2027
Here are five carriers that stand out among Medicare Advantage plans Louisiana seniors can compare, based on 2026 ratings, premiums, and availability.
These are among the best Medicare Advantage plans in Louisiana, but your best choice depends on your parish and doctors.
| Carrier | Plan Types | 2026 Avg. Star Rating | Avg. Monthly Premium | Best For |
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana | HMO, PPO, D-SNP | 4.3 (PPO 4.5) | ~$22 | High quality ratings |
| Humana | HMO, PPO | 4.0 | ~$10 | Most plan choices |
| Peoples Health | HMO-POS, D-SNP | 3.9 | ~$5 | Local network, $0 plans |
| UnitedHealthcare | HMO, PPO, D-SNP | 3.8 | ~$8 | Large network |
| Aetna | HMO, PPO, D-SNP | 4.2 | ~$14 | Balanced cost and quality |
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
Louisiana Blue is worth comparing if you prioritize plan quality, provider access, and predictable healthcare costs. Review each plan’s 2027 Star Rating, specialist network, and annual out-of-pocket maximum before deciding whether its benefits justify the premium.
- Humana
Humana offers several Medicare Advantage options across Louisiana, making it useful for comparing plan types and benefit structures. It may suit seniors seeking flexibility in choosing coverage. However, premiums, provider networks, and prescription drug costs differ by plan and parish.
- Peoples Health
Peoples Health, part of UnitedHealthcare, offers Louisiana-focused Medicare Advantage options, including plans for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. It is worth reviewing if you qualify for a D-SNP. Compare eligibility requirements, participating providers, and supplemental benefits carefully.
- UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare offers Medicare Advantage options under multiple brands, including AARP-branded plans and Peoples Health. Compare its HMO, PPO, and Special Needs Plan offerings where available. Check whether your preferred doctors and hospitals participate and how much your prescriptions will cost.
- Aetna
Aetna is another option to include when comparing Medicare Advantage costs and benefits in Louisiana. Review its available 2027 plans for premiums, prescription drug coverage, specialist access, and annual out-of-pocket limits. Availability and plan features depend on your parish.
3. How Much Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cost in Louisiana?
Costs for Medicare Advantage plans Louisiana residents pay vary by plan and parish. Here’s what to budget for:
- Monthly premiums: The average Louisiana premium was about $13 in 2026, and many plans charge $0. CMS projects the national average premium will fall to about $12 in 2027.
- Part B premium: You still pay your Part B premium, which is $202.90 per month in 2026. CMS will announce the 2027 amount later this year.
- Copays, coinsurance, and deductibles: Expect copays for doctor and specialist visits, hospital stays, and tests. Some plans have medical or drug deductibles.
- Out-of-pocket limits: Every plan caps your yearly in-network costs for Part A and Part B services. For 2026, the federal in-network limit is $9,250, and many plans set lower limits.
- Out-of-network and drug costs: PPOs cost more out of network, and prescription costs depend on your drugs’ tiers.
A $0-premium plan isn’t always cheapest overall. Compare total yearly costs, including copays and the out-of-pocket limit, based on how often you expect to need care.
4. How to Choose the Right Louisiana Medicare Advantage Plan
When comparing Medicare Advantage plans Louisiana carriers offer, focus on these factors:
- Parish availability: Plan options vary widely between areas like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and rural parishes.
- Doctors and hospitals: Check that your doctors and preferred health system, such as Ochsner, LCMC, or Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, are in network.
- Total yearly costs: Add premiums, likely copays, and the out-of-pocket limit.
- Drug coverage: Make sure your medications are on the formulary and your pharmacy is in network.
- Star ratings: CMS rates plans from 1 to 5 stars. A plan with 4 or more stars generally performs well on quality and member experience.
- Extra benefits: Compare dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowances, and Part B giveback benefits you’ll actually use.
5. Who Qualifies for Medicare Advantage in Louisiana?
To enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan in Louisiana, you generally must:
- Have Medicare Part A and Part B. Most people qualify for Medicare at age 65, although younger individuals with certain disabilities or medical conditions may also qualify.
- Live in the plan’s service area. Your Louisiana parish must be covered by the plan.
- Meet residency requirements. You must be a U.S. citizen or otherwise lawfully present in the United States.
- Enroll during an eligible enrollment period. This includes your Initial Enrollment Period, Medicare Open Enrollment, or a qualifying Special Enrollment Period.
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) have additional eligibility requirements. D-SNPs require both Medicare and qualifying Medicaid eligibility, while C-SNPs serve people with specific chronic conditions. I-SNPs are designed for eligible individuals who live in institutions or require an institutional level of care.
>>> Read more: Best Medicare Advantage Plans in South Dakota: Top 5 for 2027
6. When and How to Enroll in a Louisiana Medicare Advantage Plan
You can enroll in Medicare Advantage plans Louisiana carriers sell during these periods:
- Initial Coverage Election Period: When you first become eligible for Medicare.
- Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 to December 7, with coverage starting January 1.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 to March 31, for current Medicare Advantage members to switch plans or return to Original Medicare.
- Special Enrollment Periods: After qualifying events, such as moving or losing coverage.
To enroll, use Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov, contact a plan directly, or call 1-800-MEDICARE. For free, unbiased help comparing plans, contact LaSHIP, Louisiana’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program.
7. FAQs
What is the average cost of a Medicare Advantage plan?
In Louisiana, the average monthly premium was about $13 in 2026. Nationally, CMS projects an average of about $12 in 2027. You’ll also pay your Part B premium and any copays.
What is the best Medicare Advantage plan in Louisiana?
It depends on your needs. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana’s PPOs had the highest 2026 rating, at 4.5 stars, while Humana, Peoples Health, and UnitedHealthcare offer many low-cost options.
Are there $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans in Louisiana?
Yes. Many Louisiana Medicare Advantage plans charge $0 premiums, including all Peoples Health plans other than SNPs. You still pay your Part B premium.
Can I switch Medicare Advantage plans in Louisiana?
Yes. You can switch during the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 to December 7. Current members can also make one change from January 1 to March 31.
8. Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plans Louisiana for 2027 comes down to more than monthly premiums. Compare plan ratings, provider networks, prescription drug coverage, and out-of-pocket costs to find an option that fits your healthcare needs and budget.
Since benefits and availability vary by parish, review your options carefully using Medicare Plan Finder before enrolling. The best plan is one that covers the care you need at a cost you can manage.
