15 States Consider Laws Improving Menopause Care

A growing national movement is pushing for improved menopause care in the United States, with over two dozen bills introduced across 15 states aiming to enhance clinician training, insurance coverage, and public education on menopause. Lawmakers from New York to California are considering legislation to mandate insurance coverage for menopause treatments and increase awareness, as advocates highlight the current lack of standardized treatment protocols and insufficient insurance support for therapies like hormone replacement. Dr. Mary Claire Haver, an ob/gyn and author, noted menopause has been historically overlooked in clinical research and healthcare policy, partly because it affects women in midlife, a group underrepresented in medicine. Menopause, a natural biological phase marked by hormonal decline and cessation of menstruation, affects about 1.3 million American women annually, causing symptoms that can disrupt daily life and have long-term health impacts. States like Maine have begun adopting measures such as educational initiatives for healthcare providers, and public figures like Halle Berry have publicly raised awareness about menopause challenges. This legislative momentum reflects a broader cultural shift, with menopause topics gaining traction in media, social platforms, and healthcare discussions.