PHILADELPHIA, PA — Although Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has remained at $7.25 per hour since 2009, several new state laws in 2025 guarantee notable changes, including annual pay raises for over 1,300 state employees. These laws also expand access to “safe haven” sites, provide PTSD compensation for first responders, require insurance coverage for biomarker testing, and make doula services Medicaid-reimbursable, reflecting a broader push for public welfare reforms.
URGENT CARE CENTERS TO BECOME “SAFE HAVENS”
Pennsylvania’s Safe Haven Law will significantly expand in 2025 by including urgent care centers as designated «safe havens.» This means that parents can now safely surrender newborn babies at these centers without facing any legal penalties. The addition of urgent care centers aims to provide more accessible locations for parents in crisis.
The existing provisions of the Safe Haven Law allow parents to surrender newborns up to 28 days old at hospitals, police stations, and EMS stations. This comprehensive approach ensures parents have multiple safe and accessible locations to turn to during challenging times.
PTSD COMPENSATION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
The new law provides a crucial update to the workers’ compensation system by recognizing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as an eligible claim for first responders. This landmark legislation acknowledges the intense and often traumatic experiences first responders face in the line of duty. It ensures that those who develop PTSD as a result of their job can receive the support and compensation they deserve.
Under this law, for a PTSD claim to be eligible, it must be directly linked to the first responder’s job duties. Additionally, the diagnosis must be made by a licensed medical or mental health professional. This ensures that first responders who suffer from PTSD receive proper and professional evaluation and care.
ACCESS TO BIOMARKER TESTING FOR PERSONALIZED HEALTHCARE
Biomarker testing, which involves the analysis of biospecimens to identify the best possible medical treatments for patients, is now more widely available due to this legislation. State-regulated insurance companies are now required to cover the cost of biomarker testing, ensuring that more patients can benefit from this advanced diagnostic tool without financial barriers.
This law’s impact is profound, allowing for more precise and effective treatment plans tailored to individual patients’ needs. Expanding access to biomarker testing will enable patients to receive earlier and more accurate diagnoses, leading to better health outcomes.
GOVERNOR, LAWMAKERS, AND JUDGES TO RECEIVE PAY RAISES
Starting in January 2025, Pennsylvania state officials, including lawmakers, judges, and top executive leaders, begin receiving a 3.4% salary increase tied to federal inflation rates for mid-Atlantic urban areas. This raise surpasses the 2.6% average wage increase for private-sector workers. The new salaries took effect on January 1 for the executive and judicial branches, while lawmakers’ pay adjustments were implemented the following week.
including lawmakers, judges, and top executive leaders, will receive a 3.4% salary increase tied to federal inflation rates for mid-Atlantic urban areas. This surpasses the 2.6% average wage increase for private-sector workers. New salaries take effect January 1 for executive and judicial branches and next week for lawmakers.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s salary will rise to nearly $246,000, making him the second highest-paid governor nationally. Judicial salaries will also rank among the highest, with Chief Justice Debra Todd earning almost $270,000. Lawmakers’ base pay will exceed $110,000, with leadership earning nearly $172,000. These increases follow more considerable boosts in previous years.
DOULA SUPPORT NOW AVAILABLE FOR MEDICAID RECIPIENTS
Under HB 1608, Medicaid will reimburse certified doulas for providing childbirth education and support services, including physical and emotional care during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and up to one year postpartum. The law also establishes a Doula Advisory Board to set standards and ensure high-quality care for practicing doulas in Pennsylvania.
The legislation aims to improve maternal health outcomes by expanding access to doula services for Medicaid recipients, allowing doulas to begin billing Medicaid starting January 1, 2025.