Pennsylvania Legislators Advanced Menopause Health Bills

A seven-bill legislative package aims to mandate insurance coverage for menopause treatments and improve public education.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Women’s Health

Pennsylvania Legislators Advanced Menopause Health Bills

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Should insurance plans be required to provide coverage for menopause and perimenopause treatment options?

Pennsylvania lawmakers have advanced seven proposals through House committees to address gaps in menopause care and education. The legislative package includes requirements for insurance coverage of hormonal and pelvic floor therapies.

Why it matters

Proponents argue the legislation is essential to address under-researched health conditions that significantly impact women's careers and physical well-being. The package seeks to bridge the gap in understanding regarding symptoms and treatment options.

A Gallup study found only 33% of women understand menopause symptoms and 25% understand treatment options. The legislation aims to address this knowledge deficit for women who will spend one-third of their lives post-menopause.

The players

Maureen Madden

A Pennsylvania state representative who has advocated for menopause awareness after sustaining a shoulder injury from bone density issues.

Barbara Gleim

A Pennsylvania state representative who voted against four of the bills during the committee process.

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

The lower chamber of the state legislature currently considering this package of seven menopause-related bills.

The details

The bills mandate private insurance coverage for hormonal and non-hormonal therapies while establishing a Department of Health partnership to educate medical providers. The package also includes specific workplace accommodations for women experiencing menopause, drawing support from personal testimony like that of Rep. Maureen Madden, who suffered a fracture due to undiagnosed bone density issues.

A Gallup study on menopause awareness was released in September 2026.
The legislative package advanced through Pennsylvania House committees during the week of September 28, 2026.
As of September 29, 2026, seven proposals have officially moved forward.

Health Landscape

This legislative effort expands upon the precedent set by the Affordable Care Act's essential health benefits framework by adding specific mandates for menopause therapies. It follows a growing trend of state-level policies designed to codify coverage for previously under-researched women's health conditions.

If enacted, the bills could significantly lower out-of-pocket costs for women seeking hormonal and pelvic floor therapies by mandating insurance coverage. Additionally, improved training for medical providers may lead to faster diagnosis of bone density issues and other symptoms related to perimenopause.

The takeaway

The move underscores a shift toward normalizing the discussion of menopause in both the workplace and the medical community. Women experiencing symptoms may benefit from tracking their bone density and consulting with providers about the evolving landscape of hormone therapy access.