Overview of the LDH-UnitedHealthcare Contract Closure
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) officially closed its Medicaid managed care contract with UnitedHealthcare on March 31, 2026. Nearly 280,000 Medicaid members enrolled with UnitedHealthcare now belong to new managed care organizations (MCOs). LDH prioritized continuity of care throughout every step of this process.
This transition did not happen overnight. Reports about the contract ending first surfaced in late December 2025. LDH then granted UnitedHealthcare a 90-day extension, keeping the contract active through March 31, 2026. That grace period gave the department time to plan a structured, member-first transition.
How the Transition Was Managed
LDH staff worked for three months to move UnitedHealthcare members into new plans without disrupting their access to healthcare services. The department focused on two clear priorities: keeping families together and preserving existing provider relationships.
LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein captured the spirit of the effort: “We appreciate the partnership of providers and health plans as we worked on a seamless experience for those we serve. Throughout this transition, LDH remained focused on protecting continuity of care and minimizing any disruption to the services members rely on.”
This people-first approach shaped every decision the department made during the transition period.
Special Enrollment Period: What Members Could Do
To give members a voice in their own care, LDH established a Special Enrollment Period running from January 15 to February 15, 2026. During this window, UnitedHealthcare members could actively select a new MCO of their choice.
More than 36,000 members took advantage of this opportunity and chose a new plan. This proactive engagement helped thousands of families secure their preferred coverage before the automatic reassignment process began.
Why the Enrollment Window Mattered
Giving members control over their plan selection reduced anxiety and confusion. It also helped receiving MCOs prepare for incoming members with full knowledge of their needs and preferences. Early enrollment eased the administrative burden on all parties.
The Algorithm That Reassigned Members
After the February 15 deadline passed, members who had not selected a new plan were automatically reassigned. LDH used a purpose-built algorithm to handle these placements. The algorithm followed two guiding principles:
- Keep families together so that household members share the same MCO
- Maintain in-network provider relationships wherever possible
This data-driven approach minimized disruption for the roughly 244,000 members who did not select a plan during the enrollment period. Rather than random assignment, the algorithm matched each member to the MCO best suited to serve their existing care needs.
Daily Coordination Calls Kept the Process on Track
Behind the scenes, LDH held daily calls with UnitedHealthcare and the remaining MCOs throughout the transition. These calls played a central role in making the handover smooth and error-free.
Each call confirmed that every party had the correct data and authorizations for each UnitedHealthcare member. This step was critical. It allowed receiving MCOs to begin providing care immediately, without gaps caused by missing records or incomplete authorization transfers.
Authorization Protections for New Members
All MCOs accepting newly transferred members must honor existing care authorizations for 60 days. This requirement protects members who rely on ongoing treatments, specialist visits, or prescribed therapies. No member should face a lapse in approved care simply because their plan changed.
What Comes Next for Reassigned Members
Reassigned members have already received new insurance cards from their new MCOs. However, receiving a new card does not mean members are locked in. LDH has confirmed that any member who is unhappy with their new plan can switch plans without cause.
LDH also committed to monitoring the transition in the coming weeks. The department intends to address any issues that arise quickly and support both members and providers through the adjustment period.
Steps Members Should Take Now
- Review the new insurance card to confirm the assigned MCO and member ID
- Contact the new MCO to verify that existing providers remain in-network
- Confirm active authorizations for any ongoing treatments or specialist referrals
- Request a plan change if the assigned MCO does not meet personal or family needs
Key Takeaways for Louisiana Medicaid Members
The closure of LDH’s contract with UnitedHealthcare marks a significant shift in Louisiana’s Medicaid managed care landscape. Yet the department’s careful planning ensured that nearly 280,000 members moved into new coverage with minimal disruption.
Members now have new plans, new cards, and the right to change plans if needed. LDH’s ongoing monitoring adds another layer of protection as the transition settles. The goal throughout has been simple: every Louisiana Medicaid member deserves uninterrupted access to the care they need.
