HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania lawmakers advanced a package of menopause-related measures this week that would expand insurance coverage, workplace accommodations, preventive care and education, moving seven bills out of House committees and approving a related workplace-policy study in the full chamber.
The “No Time for a Pause” package includes proposals addressing menopause education, private insurance and Medicaid coverage, pelvic floor health, hip-fracture prevention, vaginal estrogen and urinary tract infection prevention, and workplace protections.
State Reps. Melissa Shusterman, Liz Hanbidge and Morgan Cephas and state Sen. Maria Collett are among the lawmakers backing the effort. Supporters held a rally at the Capitol on Tuesday as several measures advanced through House committees.
Among them are Cephas’ House Bill 1345, which would require Medicaid coverage for hormonal and non-hormonal therapies used to treat menopause symptoms, and House Bill 2135, which would establish workplace accommodations for menopause- and perimenopause-related conditions. Both advanced from committee for consideration by the full House.
Shusterman’s House Bills 1827 and 2545 address preventive measures for hip fractures and urinary tract infections, including insurance coverage for vaginal estrogen.
The House also voted 159-44 to approve Shusterman’s House Resolution 287, which directs the Joint State Government Commission to study workplace policies related to perimenopause and menopause.
“Menopause is more than a minor inconvenience; it is a health crisis,” Shusterman said, arguing that symptoms including sleep disruption, cognitive problems and joint and bone issues warrant greater attention from policymakers.
Hanbidge pointed to the economic consequences, citing an estimated $26.6 billion annual impact from menopause on health care and employment.
“Women deserve accurate information, evidence-based care and the support they need to stay healthy, work and thrive,” Hanbidge said.
Collett, a Montgomery County Democrat and nurse, is working with House lawmakers on proposals addressing education for health care providers and insurance coverage for menopause care. Cephas’ measures focus on treatment access and workplace accommodations.
The package remains at varying stages of the legislative process, with measures advanced from committee requiring additional legislative action before they could become law.
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