Every aspect of the healthcare industry, including but not limited to the dispensing of medicine, licensing of medical practitioners and operation of a healthcare clinic or hospital is regulated on the state or federal level and sometimes both. State health insurance laws are in place to make certain that the healthcare industry is not self-governing and that every aspect of the health care industry, including but not limited to the individuals and professionals who offer medical services provide operate and provide services within the confines of the law.

The health care industry is shaped by both federal and state laws because there is a need for uniformity from state-to-state. Without uniformity and laws, medical practitioners would be able to practice in any state without the need to be licensed. Pharmacies could dispense medicine to anyone living in any state without a prescription and health insurance companies could charge insureds whatever they want to charge them for coverage.

As with every other industry, state health insurance laws shape the health industry by providing the foundation upon which the health care industry operates. Both federal law and state law have helped shaped the health care industry with the goal of providing better care to everyone. With all the recent advancements, it is has become very clear how much of an impact both federal and state laws have on the insurance industry.

Recently, on the federal level, the Affordable Care Act was enacted to enable uninsured citizens living in any state the ability to secure healthcare insurance if they are uninsured. For those without insurance, the federal law makes carrying health insurance mandatory unless he or she falls within an exception. In response to the Affordable Care Act, many states began enacting their own laws with the goal of limiting the impact of the Affordable Care Act on the citizens of their state. Many states believe that no citizens should be compelled to carry health insurance if they do not want to.

There have been many debates whether federal law trumps state law in this particular area and the debates will continue for the years to come. Both federal and state laws are designed to protect the rights of citizens. However, states have the right to enact their own laws that help shape the healthcare industry specifically in their state. Whether or not states can enact laws to limit the scope of the Affordable Care Act in the long run remains to be seen.

Clearly, both federal and state laws shape the healthcare industry in almost every single aspect that we know. From licensing to operation of a medical facility, federal and state law plays an important role in the healthcare industry.