Credit: https://www.pahouse.com/
In recent weeks, Rep. Melissa Cerrato participated in a series of hearings, meetings, and site visits focused on one of Pennsylvania’s most critical shared responsibilities: protecting and improving the physical and mental health of residents across the Commonwealth.
While the discussions were often difficult, they shed important light on the challenges and opportunities facing Pennsylvania’s healthcare system.
The first hearings centered on the urgent issue of maternal and infant mortality. Families, medical professionals, and advocates provided powerful testimony, emphasizing that many communities are losing access to OB/GYN care and that expectant mothers are increasingly left without adequate support before, during, and after childbirth. This is not solely a rural or urban problem, it is a statewide crisis. Every Pennsylvanian deserves the opportunity to bring a child into the world safely and to raise that child with confidence in the availability of quality care. The hearings underscored the need for stronger investments in maternal health, expanded access to providers, and policies that close existing gaps in care.
Another session focused on expanding access to treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Veterans, first responders, survivors, and healthcare experts shared their experiences with both traditional and emerging therapies. The testimony made clear that post-traumatic stress is an invisible but serious wound that can be just as devastating as any physical injury. There was broad agreement on the need to expand treatment options, reduce stigma, and make mental health a central component of overall well-being.
A third major discussion examined the future of Pennie, Pennsylvania’s state-based health insurance marketplace. Recent federal actions are projected to drive an 82 percent increase in administrative costs and raise insurance premiums statewide by nearly 19 percent. These changes would have severe consequences for families, both financially and in terms of access to care, while placing additional pressure on already strained hospitals and clinics. Without intervention, these developments could deepen existing healthcare deserts throughout the Commonwealth. Rep. Cerrato and her colleagues continue to monitor this situation closely and encourage residents to stay informed and share their concerns with federal representatives. Affordable and accessible healthcare, she emphasizes, is not a luxury—it is a necessity.
In addition, Rep. Cerrato joined colleagues for a tour of Norristown State Hospital, gaining firsthand insight into the realities of mental health care in Pennsylvania. The visit highlighted the extraordinary dedication of the hospital’s staff while also revealing persistent challenges in staffing, access, and resources. While progress has been made, significant work remains to ensure that individuals receive care with dignity, compassion, and consistency.
Taken together, these hearings and site visits reinforced a fundamental truth: the health of Pennsylvania’s communities depends on confronting difficult realities with urgency and collaboration. Whether through improving maternal health outcomes, supporting individuals living with trauma, protecting affordable healthcare access, or strengthening mental health services, Rep. Melissa Cerrato remains committed to building a healthier, more equitable Pennsylvania for all.
