Breaking: Global Liver Institute Statement on U.S. End-of-Year Health Package
W(Washington, D.C., December 17, 2024) – Global Liver Institute (GLI) celebrates the release of bill text last night for a continuing resolution (CR) for FY2025 from the U.S. House of Representatives that includes Medicare coverage of multi-cancer early detection screening tests and defines standards and payments for these diagnostic tests (see p. 507-512). This reflects the inclusion of language from the bipartisan Medicare Multi-Cancer Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (H.R.2407/S.2085), which has been a priority for GLI and its community of patient advocates for several years. Because private insurers tend to follow the lead of CMS, this coverage from Medicare would likely cascade into access for the rest of the insured population. The earlier liver cancer is detected, the more powerful and varied treatment options are available to a patient. Therefore, access to these multi-cancer early detection screening tests would be a powerful tool in expanding the five-year survival rate of the third deadliest cancer (liver cancer), and thus a powerful tool in achieving the Cancer Moonshot.
GLI offers a special thank you to the members of GLI’s Liver Action Network and other partner organizations who have advocated tirelessly for the coverage of these critical diagnostic tests over the years. We are aware that this is not the final CR and is subject to change over the next few days. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as they become available.We will continue to keep a close eye on this legislation and will keep members of our community informed as updates emerge.
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. GLI is the host of Global Fatty Liver Day.