Bill halting MD Medicare cuts approved by Congress

After much drama, Congress has finally passed a measure that will halt a 10.6 percent payment cut for physicians through 2009. Not only did both houses of Congress pass the measure, but they also passed it by a veto-proof margin, so even if President Bush refuses to sign, Congress could still force the measure through. The Senate voted 69-30 to approve the bill, while the House voted 355-59. The passage of the bill included an emotional appearance by Sen. Edward Kennedy, who came in to cast his vote for the measure despite suffering from brain cancer. The bill previously failed to pass in the Senate--by one vote--but yesterday, nine Republicans who had previously been against the measure voted to approve it.

To learn more about the bill:
- read this Modern Healthcare piece (reg. req.)

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