Splitting the Bill? Impossible.

That is how I interpret this line from Paul Krugman's latest NYT article:

Think of it this way: Congress could, with a stroke of a pen, cut Social Security benefits in half. But it couldn’t do the same with health spending: Medicare can’t suddenly start paying to replace only half a heart valve or mandate that bypass operations stop halfway through.

Really? Because I am pretty sure they could. I've even drafted a short letter which they can use if they decide to make it happen (I'll waive my usual consulting fees).

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Dear Medicare and Medicaid Recipients,

Henceforth, the government will only be paying for half of qualified medical expenditures.

Sincerely,

Congress
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