The Senate voted Thursday to delay Medicare payment cuts for the rest of the year, a big win for hospitals and providers.

The 2% cuts originally took effect in 2013 but were paused by Congress last year in response to the pandemic and its effect on providers' finances.

The cuts totaling $18 billion were scheduled to resume next week absent Congressional action, but providers lobbied hard for an extension of the moratorium, arguing the pandemic continues to negatively impact their bottom lines.

The bill is expected to pass the House before being signed by President Joe Biden.

View NAEMT Joint Letter regarding Medicare Sequester