I'm moving to the United States later this year, to begin graduate studies. I've heard a lot of talk about healthcare in the US, but never really paid much attention, until now, when it directly affects me. After living in Canada for some time, I've gotten complacent with the universal healthcare offered, and I've never had to think too much about the details. I am only a citizen of the European Union (with a Canadian permanent resident card). I should mention I haven't had much experience with the EU health system.
I just want to get an idea of what sort of bureaucracy/red tape/exorbitant fees I'll be facing once I start living there. Naively, I assume that I will be on the same footing as US citizens in that I have some options to get coverage with Obama's legislation, along with the plans offered by employer the university, otherwise I pay everything directly out of pocket. Is this true/at all sensible?