Elder Care Index

What It Costs Across Louisiana

Louisiana's median assisted living cost sits around $3,748 per month, which is generally lower than the national average. However, this figure is just a starting point, as prices vary considerably across the state depending on location, services offered, and facility amenities. For instance, you can expect to pay more in larger metropolitan areas like New Orleans, where costs might reach around $5,630 per month, or Baton Rouge, averaging about $3,569 per month. Some areas like Alexandria also trend higher, with costs upwards of $4,515 per month. Conversely, more rural or smaller cities often offer more affordable options. For example, you might find lower costs in places like Hammond, averaging around $2,625 per month, or Shreveport, where prices can be closer to $2,840 per month. These regional differences are often due to variations in local labor costs and healthcare infrastructure.

Will Medicaid Help Pay?

Yes, Louisiana's Medicaid program, known as Healthy Louisiana, offers assistance through the Community Choices Waiver (CCW), which is designed to help seniors and individuals with disabilities receive care in their homes or in community settings rather than a nursing home. While the CCW can cover care services in an assisted living facility, it's important to know that it does not cover the cost of room and board. Eligibility for the CCW requires individuals to be 21 years or older and meet a nursing home level of care. For 2026, a single applicant's monthly income generally cannot exceed $2,982, and countable assets must be $2,000 or less. For married couples where both are applying, combined income is capped at $5,964 per month with assets up to $3,000.

The CCW is not an entitlement, meaning there are a limited number of enrollment spots, and a "Request for Services Registry" (waitlist) can form when spots are full. As of 2025, there were about 7,900 enrollment spots per year. To apply or get on the registry, you should contact Louisiana Options in Long Term Care at 877-456-1146.

How to Find a Good Facility

Finding the right assisted living facility in Louisiana means looking for licensed Adult Residential Care Providers (ARCPs), which are overseen by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Health Standards Section. While the exact number of facilities can vary in reports, the LDH is the official source for licensed providers. It's crucial to inquire about a facility's emergency preparedness, especially its evacuation plan, which is vital in Louisiana. Facilities are licensed in different levels, with Level 4 previously allowing for medication administration and limited nursing services, though new Level 4 licenses have had a moratorium. To check inspection records and complaints, you can make a public records request through the LDH Health Standards Section. Additionally, the Louisiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a valuable, free resource that investigates complaints and can help you navigate the process of choosing a facility. You can reach the State Ombudsman Office at (866) 632-0922.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: Genworth 2024, state licensing agency.