[dragonwriter]

> In all cases treatment is required by law, regardless of payment.

Screening for and stabilization of emergency medical conditions is required at all emergency departments by law, regardless of ability to pay, but that's much more limited than "in all cases, treatment is required by law, regardless of payment", and even then, hospitals skirt the rules.

[trimethylpurine]

And how does this differ from care elsewhere?

To contrast, my sister lives in Europe and needs shoulder surgery and unless she pays for a private treatment (by the same doctor) she will not be treated for 12 months. Guess what I paid for. Is that any better?