3 New Pennsylvania Laws That Will Effect Your Wallet in 2026

As the Commonwealth rings in the New Year, several new pieces of legislation and administrative changes are officially taking effect. Whether you are a daily commuter, a working parent, or a patient navigating the healthcare system, your budget will likely feel the impact of these changes.

1. The 18th Consecutive Turnpike Toll Hike (4% Increase)

2. Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (EITC Match)

In a major win for workers, the 2025-26 state budget officially established the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit. While passed in late 2025, 2026 marks the first tax season where residents can claim this new state-level benefit on their returns.

3. No-Cost Diagnostic Breast Imaging

Healthcare costs are a significant burden for many families, but a new law signed in late 2025 aims to eliminate out-of-pocket hurdles for critical life-saving care.

The Change: Effective in January 2026, Senate Bill 88 (Act 52) requires all state-regulated health insurance plans to cover diagnostic breast examinations—including MRIs, ultrasounds, and mammograms—with no cost-sharing.

The Impact: Patients will no longer be responsible for copays or deductibles for these specific diagnostic screenings.

The Savings: By removing financial barriers, this law prevents "hidden costs" that often lead patients to delay or skip follow-up care after an abnormality is detected. This builds upon previous legislation that covered supplemental screenings only for high-risk individuals.