Bill > HB1827

This bill aims to improve medical assistance and health insurance coverage for osteoporosis screening, prevention, and treatment specifically related to menopause. The legislation requires both the Department of Human Services and health insurance providers to offer comprehensive coverage for individuals experiencing menopause, including bone mineral density testing, hormonal and non-hormonal treatments, FDA-approved drugs and devices for osteoporosis prevention, and preventative measures like dietary supplements, weight training, and physical therapy. The bill acknowledges that women can experience significant bone loss during the first five years of menopause, with up to 20% bone loss occurring, and that current bone density screening recommendations (typically for women over 65) may not adequately address early prevention. By mandating earlier coverage and screening, the bill seeks to help women detect and address osteoporosis before it becomes more advanced and potentially leads to serious fractures. The coverage will be subject to standard insurance policy terms like medical necessity and cost-sharing, and the act will apply to new and renewed health insurance policies within 180 days of its effective date, which is 90 days after passage. The bill defines key terms like menopause, osteoporosis, and bone mineral density testing to provide clarity on its scope and intent.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1827