12237. MEDICARE: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. This paper provides a review and assessment of Medicare. The analysis reviews the history and intent of the Medicare legislation; examines its impact in terms of beneficiaries, health care providers and the health care system in general; considers the extent to which it has fulfilled its original purpose; analyzes the unintended consequences of the legislation; assesses its problems and their impact on particular interest groups; and considers likely steps toward reform and further legislation. 23 pages, 69 footnotes, 34 bibliographic sources.