The U.S. Senate late Tuesday approved a $200 billion Medicare reform package “that will end a two-decade old headache for Congress” known as the “doc fix.”

As The Hill reports, “The rare bipartisan vote, which passed 92-8, marks one of the biggest achievements yet from the newly GOP-controlled Congress. It will now head to President Obama, who has promised to sign the bill.”

Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz were among those voting “aye.” Hirono said in a statement after the vote:

“This is compromise legislation, and while it’s not perfect, it has a number of provisions that are good for Hawaii. Medicare, the Children’s Health Improvement Program (CHIP), and our community health centers are essential to ensuring that Hawaii’s kupuna, keiki, and hard working families can get the health care they need.

“The bill extends the CHIP program, including coverage for COFA children and pregnant women, for two years and provides substantial funding for community health centers. It also permanently reforms the flawed system that has caused uncertainty for Medicare patients and doctors for over 10 years.”

All eight “no” votes came from Republicans, including presidential candidates Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida. But Rand Paul of Kentucky, an eye doctor and the son of an MD, voted in favor.

The U.S. House of Representatives previously passed the bill by a large margin.

The U.S. Senate Reception Room at the Capitol.

Cory Lum/Civil Beat