Jolt, in Canada if you were a Canadian citizen/resident or had a work visa to work in Canada, you would receive general medical care within Canada.

As for dental care, no it is not part of our govn't supported medical insurance system.

My doctor (or her medical practice office staff) have no clue about my income. I just have the necessary health care ID and the process genuinely is examination/diagnosis from the attending physician.

As an adult patient I make the decision to give my consent (or not give consent) to my doctor to proceed with whatever treatment/surgery s/he recommends. There are times the patient for reasons might delay (if it's not urgent) or must find money for add-on costs (ie. a private hospital room is add-on cost borne by patient as direct cost or through work-related supplemental medical benefit. But a shared room with others is already covered.) It is not a private health insurance company that determines my eligibility for treatment due to cost coverage criteria.

Though the health care reform discussion is highly politicized and intense right now in U.S., what do TE members here think are the realistic areas for U.S. health care reform that is digestible and possible? Or is health care system so ensnarled with many bedfellows that it would be hard to even change permanently 1 part of the system in a major way without affecting another gigantic cog in the wheel?