What Would Happen If There Was No Medicare? 
That 's a great question ! Also not one easily answered ... On one hand if there were no programs , we 'd have a significantly smaller Government budget , and a whole lot less debt and worry about that future debt . There would be a more open market for health services , and a greater dependency upon the honesty of the provider when they tell you they love you more than their profits . The other side of the story ? As there are approximately 10,000 people turning 65 everyday , most with little or no retirement plans other than social security -LRB- which puts them well below poverty level in most cases -RRB- and no provision for protection from the increasing costs of long term care , we would probably find that the mortality rate among the +65 set would dramatically rise , and life expectancy lower , as a result of them not being able to afford the medical services that would be otherwise available . What makes your question really interesting is its natural follow up - `` what do we do to fix the system so the most people can benefit ? '' That 's the real question ! Thanks for asking ! 