Cephas menopause bills advance to House Floor
Legislation would provide Medicaid coverage for menopause treatments and protect menopausal workers
Rep. Morgan B. Cephas September 29, 2026 | 4:10 PM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 29 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., announced two menopause bills have advanced from committee. Both bills are part of the ‘No Time for a Pause’ package of menopause-related legislation.
House Bill 1345, which was reported out of the House Human Services Committee on Monday, would provide Medicaid coverage for hormonal and non-hormonal therapy to treat menopausal symptoms.
House Bill 2135, the Menopause and Perimenopause Workplace Protections and Accommodations Act, advanced from the House Labor and Industry Committee today. This legislation would ensure accommodation for pregnancy-related and menopause-related conditions in the workplace.
Cephas emphasized both bills provide overdue protection and support for menopause, especially regarding the economic challenges that arise. She said many people are not able to access the FDA approved treatments for their symptoms and may not even be aware of the available options.
According to a Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) Employee Perspectives and Challenges Concerning the Transition of Menopause (EMPACT Menopause) study, in the workplace, more than 75% of women continue working throughout perimenopause and menopause. However, one in four women have considered not pursuing or did not pursue a leadership opportunity due to these conditions.
“Menopause and perimenopause affect our health, our families, our work and our quality of life, yet too many people still feel unseen and unsupported,” Cephas said. “House Bills 1345 and 2135 are designed to expand access to treatment and prioritize the needs of aging populations in our workforce and healthcare system. I am thrilled that both bills advanced from committee this week and look forward to presenting this legislation on the House Floor. Advancing this legislation helps us to break the stigma, raise awareness and ensure health equity.”
The advancement of these bills coincides with today’s ‘No Time for a Pause’ rally to support this legislative package. Cephas will appear at the rally alongside state Reps. Melissa Shusterman and Liz Hanbidge in the Capitol Rotunda.
House Bills 1345 and 2135 will now move to the full House of Representatives for consideration.