FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Columbia, SC — January 14, 2026
South Carolina Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders Advocacy Coalition Hosts 2026 Legislative Breakfast at the State Capitol
By James Romano and Sue Martin
On Wednesday, January 14, the Bleeding Disorders Association of South Carolina (BDASC) proudly hosted its fourth annual Legislative Breakfast at the South Carolina State Capitol in Columbia, bringing together patient advocates, chapter leadership, and state lawmakers for a meaningful morning of education and connection.
This annual event provides a vital opportunity for individuals and families affected by bleeding disorders to meet directly with members of the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate to discuss healthcare access and policy priorities. Widely attended throughout the Capitol complex, the 2026 breakfast welcomed more than 250 legislators and staff members. BDASC was especially grateful to have 33 patient advocates and community members from across South Carolina join us to share their voices and lived experiences.
This year, the bleeding disorders community continued its focused advocacy for H.3934 and S.330, legislation that would ban the use of copayment accumulator adjustment programs. These programs allow insurance companies to accept copay assistance from manufacturers or nonprofit organizations while refusing to count that assistance toward a patient’s out-of-pocket maximum. As a result, patients can be forced to pay thousands of additional dollars for medically necessary, often life-sustaining treatments—while insurers effectively “double dip.” This legislation would ensure that all payments made on a patient’s behalf are counted toward their required out-of-pocket costs, restoring fairness and transparency to the system.
BDASC was honored to welcome long-standing legislative champions and friends, including Senator Thomas Alexander (R-1st), Representative Gilda Cobb Hunter (D-9th), Senator Jason Elliot (R-6th), Representative Lucas Atkinson (D-57th), Representative Chandra Dillard (D-23rd), and Representative Paul Wickensimer (R-22nd). We were also pleased to build new relationships with lawmakers such as Representative Greg Ford (R-98th) and Senator Jeffrey Graham (D-35th).
The program featured a legislative briefing led by our bill champions, Representative Carla Schuessler (R-61st) and Senator Mike Gambrell (R-4th), who each spoke passionately about the importance of passing this legislation to protect South Carolina families living with chronic and rare conditions.
Attendees also heard powerful personal testimonies from patient advocates Candi Mitchum, Kristen Shelton, and Ginny Maxwell, whose stories underscored the real-life consequences of insurance practices that limit access to care.
The 2026 Legislative Breakfast marked a strong and hopeful start to the year. Passing copayment accumulator reform remains a top priority for our community, and your voice matters. If you have not yet contacted your Representative or Senator, please reach out to BDASC Executive Director, Sue Martin, and the Chapter will gladly help you connect with your elected officials and share your story.
Together, we can ensure fair access to care for all South Carolinians living with bleeding disorders.
Contact:
Sue.martin@bda-sc.org / 864-350-9941
Learn More: https://bda-sc.org/advocacy/state-capitol-days/