Bill > S0749

This joint resolution establishes the Prescription Medicine Study Committee to address the rising costs of critical prescription medications in South Carolina. The committee will be composed of key legislative committee chairs, state agency directors, healthcare association representatives, and appointees from health plans and pharmacy benefit management companies. Its primary responsibilities include identifying innovative methods to reduce prescription drug costs, evaluating current cost barriers such as pricing structures and supply chains, and recommending policy proposals, statutory changes, or pilot programs to lower prescription costs without compromising patient care. The committee will focus particularly on medications for prevalent diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and dementia, and will engage stakeholders through hearings and information gathering. Members will serve without compensation but receive standard legislative travel reimbursements, and the committee is required to submit a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by December 31, 2026, after which it will be dissolved unless specifically reauthorized. The resolution reflects concerns about the significant financial burden prescription drug costs place on South Carolina families, healthcare providers, and the state, and aims to explore transparent and effective strategies to make critical medications more affordable.

Health and Social Services

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0749&session=126&summary=B