Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals | Bruce Greenstein, Secretary

Greater New Orleans Community Health Connection

The Greater New Orleans Community Health Connection (GNOCHC) is a program to preserve primary and behavioral health care access restored and expanded after Hurricane Katrina with Primary Care Access and Stabilization Grant (PCASG) funds.  GNOCHC is run by the state Medicaid agency, but it is not Medicaid.  In some ways, GNOCHC is like Medicaid.  For example, you can use the same Medicaid application form to apply for Medicaid or GNOCHC.  And if you qualify for Medicaid or GNOCHC, you get the same white plastic card.   In other important ways, Medicaid and GNOCHC are different.  For example, GNOCHC has higher incomes limits than Medicaid, making it easier to qualify if you work.  Also, GNOCHC covers fewer services and has fewer participating providers than Medicaid. 

What Does GNOCHC Cover?

GNOCHC does not cover the same services as Medicaid.  GNOCHC will pay only for these services from a GNOCHC participating provider:

• Primary care
• Preventative care
• Immunizations and vaccinations
• Care coordination
• Lab work and x-rays
• Behavioral health care (mental health and substance abuse services)

GNOCHC may also pay for limited specialty services, including doctors, labs and x-rays.  Ask your provider about coverage limits and payment restrictions before seeking specialty services.

GNOCHC does not cover prescription drugs, inpatient or outpatient hospital services (including emergency room visits), dental care, or other services not listed above.

GNOCHC doesn't cover everything, but you don't have to choose between GNOCHC and other medical assistance programs that can help you get the care you need.  People who are eligible for GNOCHC may still qualify for free care at the Interim Hospital of Louisiana or for Prescription Assistance Programs that pay for drugs when you can't.

Which Providers Participate?

Not all providers participate in GNOCHC.  Participating in Medicaid is not the same as participating in GNOCHC.  Only providers who participated in the Primary Care Access and Stabilization Grant program can participate in GNOCHC.  Currently, a total of 18 provider organizations participate in GNOCHC with 36 service sites located throughout the Greater New Orleans area.  Click here for a list of locations and contact information. 

Am I Eligible?

You may quality for GNOCHC if you:

• Are a U.S. citizen or legal resident;
• Are between the ages of 19 and 64;
• Live in Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, or St. Bernard parishes;
• Are not pregnant;
• Have not had medical insurance for at least 6 months; and
• Have income less than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your family size (countable household is yourself, a legal spouse, and any of your children under the age of 19 living with you; click here for the current income guidelines).

Apply Now

You can apply for GNOCHC three ways.  You can apply online through the Louisiana Medicaid Online Application Center.  You can apply in person at any a participating GNOCHC provider location.  You can click on one of the links to download a paper form below, then print and mail or fax to:

Orleans Regional Medicaid Office
P.O. Box 60840
New Orleans, LA 70160
Fax: 1-866-861-6018

• GNOCHC Application - English
• GNOCHC Application - Spanish
• GNOCHC Application - Vietnamese

All applications will be reviewed for Medicaid eligibility before a GNOCHC decision is made.

Can I Talk to Someone about GNOCHC?

You can call toll-free 1-888-342-6207 to get more information about GNOCHC and find out if you may qualify.