Louisiana Medicaid Customer Service Number — Complete Practical Guide

Primary official contacts and where to find the customer service number

The single most reliable source for the current Louisiana Medicaid customer service number is the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). LDH’s central office is located at 628 N. 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 and the department’s main switchboard is (225) 342-9500. The LDH website, https://ldh.la.gov, maintains up-to-date program pages and links to member services, plan contact information, provider portals and notices of rate or policy changes.

Every Medicaid enrollee receives a Medicaid ID card that lists the managed care plan name (if applicable) and the plan’s member services phone number. If you are enrolled in a managed care plan (Healthy Louisiana / Medicaid managed care), call the number printed on that card first; customer service lines on ID cards are specific to your plan and can process eligibility, claims, authorization and referral questions immediately. If you do not have your card, the LDH main number above can direct you to the correct member line.

Common telephone options, hours, and accessibility (what to expect)

State and plan-run member services typically operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours (commonly 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time). Expect interactive voice menus (IVR) with options for eligibility, claims, pharmacy, behavioral health, and prior authorization. Average live-representative wait times vary by season; expect 10–30 minutes during routine periods and up to an hour or more during renewal or policy-change events (for example, statewide redetermination periods in 2023–2024 caused spikes in call volume).

Louisiana Medicaid customer service lines are required to offer TTY/TTD or relay services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing (dial 711 in the U.S.), and most plans provide interpreter services in multiple languages on request. If you need an accommodation, tell the IVR or the first representative you reach and ask for “language or accessibility assistance” — note the time stamp and the agent’s name for follow-up.

Key numbers and web resources to keep

Use the following as starting points; always confirm the current number printed on your Medicaid ID or the LDH website before important deadlines. LDH main switchboard: (225) 342-9500. LDH website: https://ldh.la.gov. Your Medicaid ID card will show your plan’s member services number—call that first for benefits, prior authorizations, specialist referrals and claims disputes.

If you prefer online tools, LDH and most managed care plans maintain secure member portals where you can view benefits, find providers, submit prior authorization requests, and track appeals. These portals reduce hold time and create written records of inquiries — save screenshots or downloaded confirmations for any transaction.

What information to have ready when you call (documents and data)

Being prepared shortens call time and improves outcomes. Have the following available before you dial: your Medicaid ID number, full name as shown on the card, date of birth, Social Security Number (last 4 digits if you prefer for privacy), current address, a phone number you answer from, and any provider or claim reference numbers. If you call about a bill or claim, have the provider name, service date, billed amount and claim number (found on the provider statement) in front of you.

When discussing medical necessity, prior authorization, or appeals, have the relevant clinical notes or provider letters at hand (diagnosis codes or test dates help the agent look up the file). If you plan to file an appeal or grievance, note the date and time of the call, the name and ID of the representative, and ask for a written confirmation number or email so you have proof of the request.

• Essential items to have before calling: Medicaid ID card, date of birth, last 4 SSN, provider name & date of service, claim or authorization numbers, written notes from providers.
• If appealing: written denial letter, provider clinical documentation, timeline of events, and requested resolution (e.g., prior authorization approved, claim paid).

Escalation, appeals and outside help

If frontline customer service cannot resolve the issue, request escalation to a supervisor and ask for a supervisor callback number and expected response timeframe (24–72 hours is common). If the plan denies services you believe medically necessary, you have internal appeals rights with the plan and the option to request an external fair hearing through LDH. Federal and state rules set deadlines for appeals — always ask the agent to state the appeals deadline in minutes and to confirm it in writing or via email.

For independent help, contact your local parish family services office (addresses and phone numbers are listed on LDH’s site) or the Louisiana Medicaid Beneficiary Services/Ombudsman if available. You may also contact community legal aid organizations for assistance with complex eligibility or appeal cases; these groups often operate on income-based eligibility and provide representation for administrative hearings.

Practical phone-call script and outcome tracking

Start the call: “Hello, my name is [Full Name], DOB [MM/DD/YYYY], Medicaid ID [######]. My issue is [brief description]. I have documents ready. I need [specific outcome].” Ask for the representative’s name, ID, date/time, and a confirmation number. If they promise a callback, set a reminder for 48–72 hours. If no timely callback, escalate to the supervisor and then to LDH central switchboard at (225) 342-9500.

Document every interaction in a single file or notebook: date/time, agent name/ID, summary of conversation, and confirmation number. This audit trail is decisive in appeals and benefit restorations. For benefit amounts, co-pays or any cost-share questions, request a written explanation of benefits (EOB) and the LDH or plan policy citation that justifies the charge.