I didn't see the show, but I read that there will continue to be institutions such as Universities, NIH, and other privately funded institutions, that will continue to research extensively for the reputation and/or the "other sales" it brings. Research funds are hugely important for "good" medical schools, it helps them attract the best and brightest students as well as instructors who need to publish research papers to advance their career and build a reputation.

It probably really depends on how the health care plan is structured in the end.