Medicaid entitlement for 25 - FY 2026 - T21

The Center for Medicaid and Chip Services awarded a Block Grant of $653.5 million to the Louisiana Department of Health, Bureau of Health Services Financing, for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CFDA 93.767) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. This funding supports Louisiana's administration and expansion of child health insurance coverage for low-income, uninsured children and eligible pregnant women under Title XXI of the Social Security Act. The award enables the state to maintain and expand health care access through either a separate CHIP program, expanded Medicaid eligibility for children, or a combination of both approaches.

As the designated single state Medicaid agency, the Louisiana Department of Health administers this federal entitlement funding to deliver essential healthcare coverage and related administrative services, including eligibility determinations, claims processing, and program oversight to vulnerable populations across the state. The bureau functions as a pass-through entity for federal healthcare dollars while ensuring compliance with federal requirements and maintaining records per 42 CFR 457 standards. This Block Grant award represents part of Louisiana's substantial federal healthcare funding portfolio, positioning the state to serve the over seven million children enrolled nationally in CHIP while improving access to health care and quality of life for low-income children under age 19.