Uncover the Tri-State's Health Care Landscape with WHYY News
Pennsylvania
Safe Haven laws are set to expand in Pennsylvania. By January 1, urgent care centers and healthcare providers will be included in the state's Safe Haven law. This allows people to surrender a newborn child to public safety authorities and healthcare workers without facing punishment. As long as the baby is 28 days old or younger and unharmed, the person surrendering the child will not be criminally charged. It provides a crucial safety net for those in difficult situations.
Medicaid coverage for doula care is also set to start in early 2025. Doula care during pregnancy and the postpartum period will now be covered under Medicaid. This expands on a law that took effect earlier in 2024, allowing doulas to work with certain organizations overseeing Medicaid services. Doulas offer non-clinical support, guidance, and education to mothers and families.
Biomarker cancer testing will be required for all health insurance plans regulated by the state, including Medicaid, starting January 1. Biomarker testing examines tissue, blood, or other bodily fluids for specific genes, proteins, and substances to provide more detailed information for personalized treatment plans. While it can lead to better outcomes, it has often not been covered by insurance plans and can be costly.
Related Content in Pennsylvania
The state Department of Health is leading an awareness and education campaign about perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety just before summer. They will distribute information and resources to pregnant patients and guide them on where to seek help. Up to 21% of pregnant women and new mothers experience these disorders, which can be serious if left untreated.
By the end of October 2025, emergency responders in Pennsylvania will be eligible for workers' compensation if they develop post-traumatic stress injury. Responders are eligible if their stress comes from traumatic situations on the job, such as serious injury, death, or crime scenes. An estimated 30% of emergency responders develop behavioral and mental health conditions due to their work.
Delaware
Mental health support programs in Delaware's school systems will continue to expand in 2025. A plan to phase in changes over three years began at the end of fiscal year 2024. A new law aims to establish mental health units staffed by experienced counselors, social workers, and psychologists in all state high schools. By the end of June 2025, schools must have at least one full-time behavioral health professional for every 325 students, with a tighter ratio in 2026.
A new law in Delaware requires most private health insurance plans, state-regulated plans, and Medicaid to cover abortions and related healthcare. Health insurers are required to cover up to $750 for abortion services. There is an exemption for churches, religious businesses, and employers. Insurance coverage for abortion begins January 1 for Medicaid enrollees and the following year for others.
New Jersey
Medical debt consumer protections in New Jersey are continuing to expand. Parts of the Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act took effect last summer, and more protections are scheduled for July. Currently, people with unpaid medical debt will not see their credit scores affected as they work to pay off their debt. Debt collectors can no longer report medical debt to credit bureaus, and if they do violate the law, the debt is voided.
Interest on medical debt will be capped at 3%, and debt collectors will be banned from using wage garnishment for people earning up to 600% of the Federal Poverty Level. Later this spring, healthcare providers in New Jersey will be required to make a postpartum care plan with pregnant patients and new mothers, including reviews of future appointments, recommended tests, and guidance on mental health and other issues.