The Bleeding Disorders Association of South Carolina (BDASC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and a chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation and a member organization of Hemophilia Federation of America. Our mission is to raise awareness for and advocate on behalf of persons with bleeding disorders and their families; provide education and supportive services; and promote ongoing research to improve the quality of life for those affected.
For 50 years, the Bleeding Disorders Association of South Carolina has supported research, education, advocacy and awareness of bleeding disorders throughout the state. Each year BDASC provides opportunities to the community to advocate for their needs both locally and nationally. BDASC provides support and guidance to these members to better ensure that their voices are heard.
Over the past 20 years, BDASC has been instrumental in getting legislation passed in the state of South Carolina to ensure our community, as well as other rare and chronic illnesses, have equitable and fair access to care. This year, BDASC has been advocating for H.3618 – the Pharmacy Benefits Bill. This bill was created to help patients better access their medicine and stay adherent, many third-party entities, including pharmaceutical manufacturers, offer cost-sharing assistance. Historically, commercial health insurance plans counted this assistance towards a patient’s deductible and maximum out-of-pocket, providing relief from high-cost sharing and making it easier for patients to get their medicines.
This bill will protect patients who rely on third-party cost-sharing assistance by ensuring that all payments – made by the patient or on behalf of the patient – count towards the patient’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
During BDASC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala, BDASC was proud to present the Legislative Advocate of the Year Award to Representative Stewart Jones. Representative Jones has be instrumental in moving our bill into bipartisan standing, by being the first republican to co-sponsor H.3618.
“I’ll tell you what, really got me fired up about this issue, 3618. Specifically, these two ladies right here, they’re my constituents. You need to contact your state representative. Come to the State House, meet with them, tell them your stories about how much this is costing your family and that all copays should count.” – Representative Stewart Jones