Senate approves delaying Medicare pay cut

The Senate on Wednesday agreed unanimously to postpone for another year a steep cut in what Medicare pays doctors, clearing away one of the most pressing issues still on the congressional agenda.

The $19-billion bipartisan deal, which is expected to be approved by the House, would spare physicians who care for the elderly a 25% cut in their fees, and head off what many predicted would be a disastrous blow to the massive federal health insurance program.

The move was applauded by medical groups and advocates for the elderly, who have been lobbying Congress all year to avert the threatened fee cuts.