Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in Orleans County cost about $590 a month for 2026, and the Louisiana average for 2027 is $730 a month. Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. 3 insurers offered marketplace plans in Orleans County for 2026.
If you want someone to shop the Louisiana market for you, a broker is the usual route. The 12 offices below sit closest to New Orleans and list themselves as brokers or independent agencies, which typically means access to more than one insurer.
Health Insurance Brokers near New Orleans
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Orleans County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540Local health care in New Orleans
- Ochsner Health, whose flagship Ochsner Medical Center is in New Orleans, and LCMC Health, the nonprofit system behind Touro, University Medical Center New Orleans, Manning Family Children's and New Orleans East Hospital, are the two big networks to check in a plan's directory before enrolling. Source
- Ochsner Health is a New Orleans-based health system with hospitals and health centers across the region, anchored by Ochsner Medical Center. Source
- Public health in New Orleans is handled by the New Orleans Health Department, the city's own health agency (Orleans Parish and the city share one government). Source
Before you choose a plan, check that the hospitals and doctors you use are in its network. An agent can look that up for each plan you compare.
Broker or agent: what's the difference?
A captive agent sells one company's plans. An independent agent or broker is appointed with several insurers and can compare them. In everyday use the words overlap, so ask any office which carriers it can quote in Louisiana.
Do brokers cost more?
No. Health insurers pay brokers a commission that's already part of the premium. You pay the same price for a plan whether you buy it yourself or through a broker.
What a broker can compare for you
Premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums; which doctors and hospitals are in each network; whether your prescriptions are covered; and whether you qualify for a premium tax credit.
Carriers a New Orleans broker can quote
For 2027, marketplace plans in Louisiana come from 5 insurers: Louisiana Blue (BCBS of Louisiana / HMO Louisiana), Ambetter from Louisiana Healthcare Connections, AmeriHealth Caritas, UnitedHealthcare and CHRISTUS Health Plan. Not every insurer sells in every county. An independent broker appointed with several of them can compare prices and networks side by side.
How to get ready
- Check that the agent's license is active with the state regulator.
- Ask each agent which carriers they can quote in your county.
- Compare total yearly cost (premiums plus deductible), not just the monthly premium.
- Have a realistic estimate of next year's household income; subsidies are based on it.
Checking an agent's license in Louisiana
- Louisiana's Department of Insurance offers a free online Verify Producer or Adjuster License search. It shows a producer's license status and current insurer appointments. Source
- The Louisiana Department of Insurance licenses insurance agents and producers and oversees insurers in the state. Its Consumer Complaint Division investigates complaints when a problem with an agent or company can't be resolved directly. Source
Frequently asked questions
Can a broker help me get a subsidy?
Yes. Brokers certified with the marketplace can estimate your premium tax credit and enroll you in a subsidized plan.
When can I buy a plan?
During open enrollment (Nov 1 to January 15 on the HealthCare.gov), or within 60 days of a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby.
Is there a fee to use a broker?
Most health insurance brokers charge nothing to individuals and families; the insurer pays them. Ask up front if you're unsure.
Brokers in nearby cities
- Chalmette, LA 9 miles
- Meraux, LA 10 miles
- Violet, LA 12 miles
- Terrytown, LA 13 miles
- Gretna, LA 13 miles
- Eden Isle, LA 13 miles
- Timberlane, LA 15 miles
- Harvey, LA 15 miles
- Jefferson, LA 15 miles
- Metairie, LA 16 miles