Does Louisiana require health insurance?

Louisiana, like most states in the United States, does not have a state mandate requiring individuals to have health insurance. However, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, does require individuals to have qualifying health coverage, known as "minimum essential coverage," or pay a penalty when filing their federal taxes. This means that if a person doesn't have health insurance and does not qualify for an exemption, then they will need to pay a fine when they file their taxes, this fine is called a "shared responsibility payment"

It's worth noting that the ACA mandate has been put on hold starting in 2019 by a federal ruling and it would not be enforced. While Louisiana does not have its own state mandate, it does have the Louisiana Health Insurance Exchange, which can help residents find and enroll in health insurance plans that meet the ACA's requirements. This Exchange, however, is not the Health Insurance Marketplace® website "Healthcare.gov", but it’s an insurance agency that allows residents to compare and shop for plans, and in offering this website they are required to comply with all applicable federal law, including the standards established under 45 CFR §155.220(c) and (d) and standards established under 45 CFR §155.260 to protect the privacy and security of personally identifiable information.

In summary, while Louisiana does not have a state mandate requiring individuals to have health insurance, it is still important to have coverage for various reasons. Health insurance can provide access to important preventative services and coverage for unexpected illnesses or injuries, and it is highly recommended to have it even if not legally required.