The Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) recently announced, BAYOU HEALTH, a new way for most of Louisiana’s Medicaid and LaCHIP recipients to receive health care services. The state has contracted with five different Health Plans from which individuals will choose.

While increasing the quality of care for individuals and reducing cost to the state, these plans will differ from one another in several ways, including their provider networks, referral policies, health management programs and extra services and incentives offered. Recipients have a limited amount of time to select their own plan, therefore it is essential for them act and select the plan that is right for them.

There are four ways for recipients to select their plan: by visiting www.BAYOUHEALTH.COM; calling 1-855-BAYOU-4U (1-855-229-6848); completing the enrollment form that has been mailed; or by attending a “Choose Health” meeting in the recipient’s area. Recipients can attend a local “Choose Health” meeting at any of the following meetings between February 27 and March 27 to select their plan:

In Jackson: March 9, 12 noon to 2 p.m., at the Jackson Civic Center, 2084 Hwy 10.

In St. Francisville: March 20, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Independence Community Center, 10498 Highway 965.

In Zachary: March 27, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Zachary Library, 1900 Church Street.