The Senate on Friday passed its 2008 budget resolution. It includes $15 billion in Medicare cuts.

The Senate voted 52 to 47 to pass the resolution, which devotes a substantial portion of funds ($50 billion) to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. The resolution did not specify which Medicare programs would be cut.

Congressmen this week are expected to vote on a budget resolution. The two bodies then have to reconcile their proposals. Providers are concerned about a final budget that would significantly slash Medicaid and Medicare funding for nursing homes.