For the most recent updates and information from the Department of Health and Hospitals, visit the Louisiana Medicaid Web site at www.lamedicaid.com. At this online location, providers can access information ranging from how to enroll as a Medicaid provider to directions for filling out a claim form. Specific questions about this website or provider-specific issues may be directed to Unisys Provider Relations at (800) 473-2783 or (225) 924-5040.

Information on the Medicaid Reimbursement Rate Increase Provided to the LDA by the Department of Health and Hospitals on October 25, 2007.

Effective immediately, dental providers must begin using the following new address when submitting dental prior authorization requests or other dental-related correspondence to the LSU Dental Medicaid Unit:  LSU Dental Medicaid Unit, P.O. Box 19085, New Orleans, LA 70179-9085.  The new telephone numbers for the LSU Dental Medicaid Unit are as follows:   504-941-8206 or 1-866-263-6534 (toll-free). (Posted 9/12/07) 

LA Medicaid Providers: Increase Your Retirement Savings and Save Extra Tax Dollars

Medicaid providers in Louisiana are considered “Independent Contract Workers” for the State of Louisiana and as such are allowed to participate in the Louisiana Deferred Compensation Plan (IRC Section 457).  This plan allows for additional pre-tax salary deferral contributions up to certain annual limits.  (The limits for 2007 are $15,500 and $20,500 if age 50 and over.)   Individuals are allowed to contribute the maximum to this plan in addition to contributing the maximum to any other type of retirement account (IRA, 401k, etc.).

All Medicaid providers must receive compensation payable to their individual tax ID or social security number in order to be eligible as “independent contractors” in the Louisiana Deferred Compensation Plan. 

There is a short enrollment application that needs to be completed and submitted by fax or mail to LA Deferred Compensation in order to establish an account.  Medicaid will pay LADCP directly until the physician has reached his/her annual limit.  The money that has been sent to LADCP will not be included as taxable income to the physician for that calendar year.

Once enrolled, participants may utilize Managed Accounts, the Plan’s default investment option.  He/she may elect to opt out of the service and choose one or a combination of investment options that are available within the Plan.  For more information on the Plan’s investment options, visit the Web site at www.LouisianaDCP.com.

Urgent Notice for all Providers: Delay of National Provider Number (NPI) Implementation

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has officially extended the enforcement of the rule mandating May 23, 2007, as the date for implementation of the National Provider Identifiers (NPI). A contingency period is now in effect and Louisiana Medicaid is in the process of developing its contingency plan. This contingency period is being granted to providers and health plans who are working in good faith to come into compliance with NPI. The final compliance date will be announced at a later time by the Department of Health and Hospitals. Please visit www.lamedicaid.com frequently for additional information and updates.  

To  maintain payment accuracy and timely payment to Louisiana Medicaid providers, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HOSPITALS AND UNISYS WILL NOT IMPLEMENT THE NPI ONLY SYSTEM CHANGES ON MAY 23, 2007.

CURRENT LOUISIANA MEDICAID 7-DIGIT PROVIDER NUMBERS WILL CONTINUE TO BE REQUIRED ON ALL PAPER CLAIMS, ELECTRONIC CLAIMS, AND PHARMACY CLAIMS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Providers must register their NPI with Louisiana Medicaid and continue to work towards the use of NPI on all claims. Only 25% of Louisiana Medicaid providers have registered their NPI with Louisiana Medicaid thus far. Information about NPI, such as where to apply for an NPI and how to register that NPI with Louisiana Medicaid is located at www.lamedicaid.com. Do not delay, act now!

Currently, Louisiana Medicaid is finalizing the implementation of the NPI. Updated information will be posted through the Web site, RA messages, provider notices and Provider Update articles. Refer to all provider publications and go to the Web site frequently to stay informed about the NPI implementation.

Questions concerning the implementation of NPI may be directed to the Unisys NPI group at (225) 216-6400 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Effective April 2, 2007, Must Use 2006 ADA Claim Form

Effective January 1, 2007, Medicaid will begin accepting the new 2006 American Dental Association (ADA) Claim Form from providers who submit hardcopy claims to Medicaid for prior authorization and payment of dental services.   In addition, Medicaid will continue to accept the 2002 ADA Claim Form and the 2002, 2004 ADA Claim Form through April 1, 2007. 

Effective April 2, 2007, the 2006 ADA Claim Form will be required when submitting hardcopy claims to Medicaid and will be the only dental claim form accepted for prior authorization and payment of dental services.  Effective April 2, 2007, all 2002 ADA Claim Forms and all 2002, 2004 ADA Claim Forms received by the Medicaid Dental Prior Authorization Unit or Unisys will be returned to the provider unprocessed.  

All providers who submit hardcopy dental claims will be responsible for submitting the 2006 ADA Claim Form effective April 2, 2007.  No exceptions will be made. 

In preparation, providers who submit hardcopy claims to Medicaid should order the 2006 ADA Claim Forms from the ADA or their dental supplier as soon as possible.  Providers who use dental software to print hardcopy dental claims should contact their software vendor as soon as possible in order to obtain the 2006 dental software.  Providers who use a third party contractor (billing agent) should provide their contractor with a copy of this message.

Dental providers should check this website (www.lamedicaid.com) periodically for new updates on this topic.