On August 1, 2026, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) updated its board rates to better meet the needs of children in foster care and their caregivers. In accordance with federal guidelines, board rates cover food, clothing, shelter, daily supervision, school supplies, personal incidentals, and local travel associated with daily care for a child in foster care.
All children in foster care are automatically enrolled in Medicaid, and transportation to covered medical appointments has long been available as a Medicaid benefit through the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and its Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs). Caregivers can arrange transportation by contacting the child’s MCO. Transportation may be provided by approved third-party providers, including rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft. Family members or friends who do not live in the same household as the Medicaid member may be eligible for mileage reimbursement when providing transportation to covered medical appointments. More information about scheduling medical transportation and reimbursement is available at Medical Transportation | Louisiana Department of Health.
In response to concerns shared by foster caregivers who have experienced difficulty obtaining information or assistance with mileage reimbursement during this transition, DCFS will continue processing medical mileage reimbursements through December 31, 2026.
“We have heard from our foster caregivers, and we understand transitions take time and focused energy, which we and LDH are working together on,” DCFS Secretary Harris said. “These families do extraordinary work every day to ensure children receive the care they need. This extension provides additional time and support while we work with our partners to make the reimbursement process easier for families to navigate.” During the transitional period, DCFS will continue working with LDH and the MCOs to improve communication and help caregivers understand the new process.
“Children in foster care deserve the same consistent access to health care as every other child in Louisiana,” said LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein. “Transportation to medical appointments has long been a covered Medicaid benefit, and we want every foster caregiver to know that this resource is available and how to access it. Our goal is to make sure children get the care they need, when they need it.”
Foster caregivers may continue submitting qualifying mileage requests to DCFS according to agency policy through December 31, 2026. Additional instructions are available at http://dcfs.la/fcresources, or caregivers may contact their caseworkers.
About DCFS
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services works to protect children, empower families, and strengthen communities so every child grows up safe, stable, and strong. By connecting children and families with the support they need, DCFS helps create opportunities for long-term success across Louisiana. Learn more at dcfs.la.gov.
About LDH
The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all state residents. The Louisiana Department of Health includes the Office of Public Health, Office of Aging and Adult Services, Office of Behavioral Health, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, Office of Economic Stability, Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability, Office on Women’s Health and Community Health, and Healthy Louisiana (Medicaid). To learn more, visit ldh.la.gov or follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
