Expanding access to healthcare has been a key focus for lawmakers in the tri-state area. Starting in 2025, new laws will take effect in Pennsylvania, addressing shelter, doulas, biomarker testing, perinatal and postpartum mental health education, and post-traumatic stress disorder among first responders.
Safe Haven Law
Urgent care centers and healthcare providers will be included under Pennsylvania’s Safe Haven law starting January 1. This allows individuals to surrender a newborn to public safety authorities and healthcare workers without facing penalties.
If someone feels they cannot care for a baby or does not know where to seek help shortly after giving birth, they can leave their child with emergency service experts at police stations, emergency medical service (EMS) posts, fire stations, and hospitals, provided the baby is 28 days old or younger and has not been harmed.
Medicaid Coverage for Doula Care
Doula care during pregnancy and the postpartum period will be covered by Medicaid, a public health insurance program for low-income individuals.
The new Medicaid coverage will take effect in early 2025 and will significantly benefit doulas, who are non-clinical professionals offering support, guidance, and education to mothers and families before, during, and after childbirth.
Cancer Biomarker Testing
Starting January, all health insurance plans regulated by the state must cover biomarker testing, also known as tumor profiling.
These tests analyze samples of tissue, blood, or other bodily fluids for certain genes, proteins, and other substances that can provide healthcare providers with more detailed information about a patient’s cancer.
These tests have not always been covered by insurance plans and can be expensive when paid out of pocket.
Perinatal and Postpartum Mental Health Education
The birth of a baby can bring a wide range of intense emotions, from excitement and joy to fear, anxiety, and depression.
To address this, the Pennsylvania Department of Health will launch an educational campaign just before summer on perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety.
The department and healthcare providers will be required to distribute information and resources to pregnant patients about mood and anxiety disorders related to pregnancy and where they can seek help.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
By the end of October 2025, first responders, EMS providers, fire department workers, state police officers, and peace officers will be eligible for workers’ compensation if they develop PTSD-related injuries.
First responders will qualify if the stress results from traumatic situations they have experienced or witnessed on the job, including severe injuries, deaths, mass casualties, abused or exploited children, immediate threats to their lives, and crime scenes under investigation.
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