Illinois and Philadelphia Grant Menopause-Related Protections
A new law in Illinois requires health plans to cover therapies for menopause, and another new law in Philadelphia prohibits employers from discriminating based on menopause or menstruation. Several other states provide legal protections for female employees experiencing menopause, but Philadelphia is the first major city to provide these protections. Quick Hits In Illinois, a new law requires individual and group health plans to cover treatments for menopause symptoms. In Philadelphia, a new law bars employers from discriminating against employees based on menopause, perimenopause, or menstruation, and requires accommodations for employees based on menopause, perimenopause, or menstruation symptoms. The Illinois law took effect on January 1, 2026, and the Philadelphia law will take effect on January 1, 2027. The Illinois law requires that health plans cover menopause therapies that are medically necessary and recommended by a qualified physician. It includes hor...