GLI Works With Congress to Protect Veterans’ Health
(Washington, D.C., June 11, 2025) – Global Liver Institute (GLI), in close coordination with congressional staff, has worked tirelessly to ensure that veterans diagnosed with NASH/MASH have no barriers to their care and treatment. GLI and patients with liver disease are very concerned about the Veterans Affairs (VA) biopsy requirement, and we are thrilled to see that after consistent discussions and advocacy, the report accompanying the House version of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act includes language that advances GLI’s efforts to remove invasive biopsy requirements for veteran patients with a NASH/MASH diagnosis. We are extremely thankful to the members of Congress and staff who worked with us to make this happen.
Despite the Food and Drug Administration approving this medication without a biopsy, GLI and our patients were very concerned after the VA maintained a biopsy requirement for the use of new medications for NASH/MASH. GLI, with the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), authored a letter asking for clarification and transparency on this requirement. Having received a response from the VA with few tangible solutions for our veterans to receive medication, we were urged by our patient advocates to work with Congress to seek another route. Throughout this process, GLI requested Members of the House of Representatives support this language within the appropriations process, reinforcing the request that the VA ensure veterans with fatty liver disease can access the care they need without barriers. After several communications to the VA from GLI and congressional staff, we are pleased that multiple members on the House Veterans Affairs Committee stood alongside GLI and veterans with NASH/MASH, and submitted this report language urging the removal of the biopsy requirement for veteran patients. The report includes the following language:
“Reducing Health and Economic Burden of Chronic Liver Disease Among Veterans.—The health and economic burden of chronic liver disease is growing rapidly among veterans, fueled by the prevalence of obesity and related metabolic disorders. The Department mandates liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) to authorize the use of new drug therapies. The Committee urges the Department to evaluate the impacts of therapy, including pharmaceutical and/or lifestyle measures, with the use of new, clinically validated, FDA-cleared, multiparametric MRI imaging solutions to diagnose, monitor, and improve management of veterans with MASH, while avoiding the need for biopsy in many patients.”
GLI remains steadfast in our efforts by now working with Senate staff to guarantee that this language stays in the Senate mark and conference report, ensuring similar language is maintained throughout the appropriations process and into the final bill approved by the House and Senate later this year.
About Global Liver Institute
Global Liver Institute (GLI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in the belief that liver health must take its place on the global public health agenda commensurate with the prevalence and impact of liver illness. GLI promotes innovation, encourages collaboration, and supports the scaling of optimal approaches to help eradicate liver diseases. Operating globally, GLI is committed to solving the problems that matter to liver patients and equipping advocates to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by liver disease. GLI holds Platinum Transparency with Candid/GuideStar, is a member of the National Health Council, and serves as a Healthy People 2030 Champion. Follow GLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube or visit www.globalliver.org.