The Department of Health and Hospitals recently announced, Bayou Health, a new way for most of Louisiana’s Medicaid and LaCHIP recipients to receive health care services. The state has contracted with five different health plans from which individuals will choose.

While increasing the quality of care for individuals and reducing cost to the state, these plans will differ from one another in several ways, including their provider networks, referral policies, health management programs and extra services and incentives offered.

Recipients have a limited amount of time to select their own plan, therefore it is essential for them act and select the plan that is right for them, said DHH officials.

There are four ways for recipients to select their plan: by visiting www.bayouhealth.com; calling 1-855-229-6848; completing the enrollment form that has been mailed; or by attending a “Choose Health” meeting in the recipient’s area.

Recipients in St. Mary Parish can attend a “Choose Health” meeting March 21 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Morgan City Recreation Center.