Louisiana Health Insurance Guide

Health Insurance Overview in Louisiana

Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016 through executive action by Governor John Bel Edwards. The expansion covered over 500,000 previously uninsured Louisianans. Louisiana uses the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace. The state has seen improved health outcomes tied to the Medicaid expansion, including increased cancer screenings and better management of chronic conditions.

Average Health Insurance Costs in Louisiana

Marketplace Enrollment in Louisiana

Louisiana residents can enroll in individual and family health insurance plans through HealthCare.gov (Federal). Open enrollment runs November 1 – January 15 (federal marketplace).

Average Premiums by City in Louisiana

Medicaid in Louisiana

Louisiana Medicaid expanded in 2016 and covers adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level.

Children's Health Insurance (CHIP) in Louisiana

LaCHIP covers children under 19 in families with incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level.

What Makes Louisiana Unique

Louisiana's Medicaid expansion by executive action in 2016 was one of the later expansions in the South and covered a large number of previously uninsured adults relatively quickly. Studies have documented significant health improvements following expansion, including increased cancer diagnoses at earlier, more treatable stages — a direct result of more Louisianans accessing preventive care.

ACA Subsidies: What Louisiana Residents Should Know

The enhanced subsidies first enacted in the American Rescue Plan expired at the end of 2025. For 2026, premium tax credits follow the original ACA rules: there is no credit above 400% (the “subsidy cliff”), and enrollees are expected to pay up to 9.96% of income toward the benchmark Silver plan. House in January 2026 but has not become law, so 2027 plans are being priced and subsidized under the same rules unless Congress acts.

Louisiana’s Marketplace for 2027: Insurers, Rates, and Dates

Louisiana residents enroll through HealthCare.gov. Full-price premiums rose about 23.7% on average for 2026, before subsidies. 6 insurers sold plans for 2026. Proposed 2027 changes average about 18.1% before subsidies.

About 297,000 people enrolled for 2026. About 91% received premium tax credits, and the average net premium after credits was about $82 a month.

Open enrollment for 2027: November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov; enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.

What’s Different About Health Coverage in Louisiana

Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016, covering adults up to 138% FPL, and expansion adults face the federal work-reporting requirement starting with 2027. Marketplace enrollment dropped about 26% between early 2025 and early 2026 as the enhanced credits expired, but those who stayed paid an average of only about $82 a month after an average credit of about $674.

Tips for Choosing Health Insurance in Louisiana

Louisiana residents should check Medicaid eligibility first — the 2016 expansion covers many previously uninsured adults. HealthCare.gov subsidies are available for incomes 100-400% of the federal poverty level. Louisiana's marketplace has improved competition since expansion. LaCHIP provides coverage for children.

• Enroll during open enrollment (November 1 – January 15 (federal marketplace)) — missing the deadline means waiting until the next open enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many insurers sell marketplace plans in Louisiana?

Six insurers sold Louisiana marketplace plans for 2026, with proposed 2027 changes averaging about 18.1% before subsidies.

When is open enrollment in Louisiana for 2027?

November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov; enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.

How much do Louisiana marketplace enrollees pay after subsidies?

In 2026 about 91% of Louisiana enrollees received premium tax credits, and the average net premium was about $82 a month. There is no credit above 400% of the federal poverty level.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and program eligibility rules as of 2026. Health insurance premiums, Medicaid eligibility thresholds, marketplace options, and program rules change annually. Always verify current eligibility and enrollment options at the official HealthCare.gov (Federal) or by contacting a certified navigator or broker. Premium figures shown are approximations before subsidies — actual net premiums depend on individual income, household size, and plan selection.