> How do countries with single payer handle this? In Canada, generally you have to be a legal resident (i.e. hold a valid immigration status, not just limited

> How do countries with single payer handle this? In Canada, generally you have to be a legal resident (i.e. hold a valid immigration status, not just limited to permanent resident or citizen) of the relevant province, and actually living there for a majority of the time, before being eligible for coverage under the province's health plan. See e.g. http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/ohip/ohipfaq_mn.aspx http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/ohip/ohipfaq_... California would probably have to add a waiting period since not all US residents would otherwise have coverage, as in Canada.