02/24/2026
Black Americans continue to face some of the highest burdens of liver disease — from faster progression of MASLD/MASH to higher rates of liver cancer and lower access to specialty care. These disparities are real, persistent, and preventable.
That’s why the latest announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) matters for our community.
CMS has released the third cycle of drugs selected for Medicare price negotiation under the Inflation Reduction Act. Lenvima — a treatment for liver cancer — is on the list.
Last year, Xifaxan, used to reduce the risk of hepatic encephalopathy in people with cirrhosis, was selected. Its negotiated Medicare price of $1,000 will take effect in 2027.
The negotiated prices for Lenvima and the 14 other drugs in this new cycle will be announced at the end of this year and take effect in 2028.
As we honor Black History Month, we must recognize that policy decisions about drug pricing directly affect communities already carrying disproportionate burdens of liver disease.
Health equity requires both affordability and continued innovation, especially for conditions where Black patients experience higher mortality and fewer treatment options.
This is a moment for thoughtful dialogue, patient‑centered policy, and a commitment to ensuring that breakthroughs in liver health reach every community.
Learn more from our advocacy partner AASLD: https://www.aasld.org/policy-communications?ct=YTo2OntzOjY6InNvdXJjZSI7YToyOntpOjA7czo1OiJlbWFpbCI7aToxO2k6MTExNDt9czo1OiJlbWFpbCI7aToxMTE0O3M6NDoic3RhdCI7czoyMjoiNjk4MjYxZTk3M2Y3ZDMyNjc1NTAxNyI7czo5OiJzZW50X3RpbWUiO2k6MTc3MDE1MjQyNTtzOjQ6ImxlYWQiO3M6NjoiMTU5OTgzIjtzOjc6ImNoYW5uZWwiO2E6MTp7czo1OiJlbWFpbCI7aToxMTE0O319
