ST. TAMMANY PARISH, La. Louisiana Healthcare Connections members who receive care from Ochsner will retain access to its network under an agreement announced by the health system on October 15, 2026.
Ochsner said the agreement prevents an interruption in covered access to its physicians, hospitals and services. That matters for St. Tammany residents who rely on Ochsner for medical care, including patients using its Slidell health center on Gause Boulevard East.
The announcement follows a September 22 notice from Louisiana Healthcare Connections warning that many Ochsner owned hospitals, facilities and employed providers could leave its network December 1 if negotiations failed. The insurer said it had begun notifying members who received care from an Ochsner provider during the previous 18 months.
Those letters described a possible change, rather than an immediate loss of coverage. The insurer said Ochsner remained in its network while discussions continued.
Ochsner's October 15 statement says the organizations have now reached an agreement. It does not disclose the contract's duration or financial terms, nor does it give a parish level count of affected patients.
Patients should still verify coverage for their particular physician and service with their insurer. Ochsner's insurance information page directs patients to their carrier for that confirmation. Louisiana Healthcare Connections lists member assistance at 866 595 8133, with TTY service at 711, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The agreement concerns Louisiana Healthcare Connections coverage. It should not be read as an announcement about every insurance plan accepted by Ochsner.
