State Capitol Advocacy Days:
February 24 – 25, 2026

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 @ 7pm Pre-Training Zoom
Monday, February 2, 2026 @ 7pm Pre-State Days Training Zoom

February 24, 2026 (Training Evening with Dinner) 4pm-8:30pm
February 25, 2026 (Legislative Meetings – Breakfast & Lunch Provided) 8am – 3pm

Hosting Hotel:
Courtyard Marriott, Columbia Downtown at USC
630 Assembly St.
Columbia, SC 29201

Join the Bleeding Disorders Association of South Carolina as we prepare for National Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month this March! Our Annual Advocacy & State Legislative Days is a powerful opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for access to care.

What Can I Expect?

We start off with an educational dinner the night before advocacy days to learn about the process of meeting with legislators. You will learn directly from experienced advocates how to share your story.

Travel and lodging grants will be provided to advocates participating in State Advocacy Days. All meals and advocacy training sessions are included as part of the program.

If you’re new to State Advocacy Days, rest assured that you’ll be paired with an experienced advocate and will never attend a meeting alone.

Why Attend?
  • Meet with SC legislators to discuss the challenges faced by our community

  • Advocate for affordable access to treatment and life-saving programs

  • Participate in advocacy training sessions led by BDASC and national partners

  • Be part of over 637 impactful meetings with SC lawmakers since our event’s start

What Is Expected Of Me?

Registration is required for all participants – this is extremely important so that we can schedule meetings.  We greatly appreciate everyone’s participation in State Advocacy Days and the time dedicated to supporting our shared mission. To ensure a respectful and productive experience for all, we ask that advocates attend all required trainings and arrive promptly for scheduled meetings. Participants are expected to dress in business casual attire and represent the community with professionalism. When engaging with legislators, please communicate respectfully and refrain from expressing personal political views.

This is your chance to make a difference. Together, we can break down barriers to care—your voice matters!

2026 Legislative Priorities
2026 Legislative Breakfast raises awareness
help us raise awareness with proclamations
Reflection on 2025 BDASC State Capitol Advocacy Days

As we prepare for the 2026 legislative season, we’re proud to reflect on all that was accomplished during our 2025 State Advocacy Days and throughout the legislative session. Advocates from across the state came together to raise awareness, share personal stories, and push for critical policy changes that support individuals and families living with bleeding disorders and rare diseases.  

An In Depth Explainer on the Maximizer Issue

Featuring: Advocate Expert, Sue Martin

Description: Navigating the treacherous terrain of rare disease healthcare, battling copay accumulator adjusters, and fighting for fair access to life-saving treatments.

Discussion Questions: 

  1. In what ways can healthcare providers better communicate and educate patients about the complexities of insurance policies, including accumulator adjusters and maximizers?
  2. What role do drug manufacturers, Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), and insurers play in creating a more transparent and affordable healthcare system for patients with rare or expensive diseases?
  3. How can healthcare systems incorporate patient feedback and experiences into policy changes to ensure fair and equitable access to medications for individuals with high-cost conditions?
The Price of A Hidden Accumulator, One Family’s Story

Featuring: Patient Advocate, Whitney G.

Description: From tears to triumph: navigating the complexities of healthcare access for bleeding disorders, a heartfelt journey urging policymakers to support fair legislation like the HELP Copays Act for accessible and equitable healthcare.

Discussion Questions: 

  1. How do accumulator adjusters and changes in insurance coverage impact patients and families managing chronic conditions like hemophilia, and what strategies can be implemented to mitigate these challenges?
  2. How can the healthcare system be improved to ensure that patients and their families are adequately informed about critical coverage changes, especially regarding copay assistance programs and accumulator adjusters?
  3. What role do copay assistance programs play in alleviating the financial burden on families dealing with high medical costs, and what challenges do they face in light of complex insurance policies?
With Appreciation to our 2026 Advocacy Days Sponsors!
Thank you to our Year-round Advocacy Sponsor!
Thank you to our State Based Advocacy Coalition Grant Sponsor!
Thank you to our Platinum Advocacy Lunch Sponsor!
Thank you to our Premier Dinner Sponsor!
Thank you to our Platinum Advocacy Sponsor!
Thank you to our Platinum Advocacy Sponsor!
Thank you to our Platinum Advocacy Sponsor!
Thank you to our Advocacy Community Partner!