The Senate Finance Committee of South Carolina convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss critical issues affecting the state's durable medical equipment (DME) providers and proposed amendments to Medicaid and Medicare laws.

A significant concern raised during the meeting was the alarming decline in DME providers in South Carolina, which has dropped by 44% since 2013. The number of locations has decreased from 242 to just 135. Representatives from the South Carolina Medical Equipment Services Association highlighted that this decline is largely due to a recent Supreme Court decision, which has resulted in financial losses averaging between $8,000 and $10,000 per month for these providers. They emphasized the necessity of a sales tax exemption to help protect the infrastructure of DME services in the state.

Additionally, the committee discussed a proposed technical amendment to clarify the language regarding Medicaid and Medicare laws. Members noted the importance of distinguishing between the two programs, suggesting that the wording should reflect "Medicaid or Medicare laws" instead of "Medicaid and Medicare laws." This amendment aims to ensure consistency in the legal language used in the legislation.

The committee unanimously adopted the proposed amendment, reinforcing the need for clarity in the regulations governing these essential healthcare programs. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges faced by DME providers and the legislative efforts to address these issues effectively.