Can Americans accept rationed care?

I returned this evening from an interview with an Amarillo obstetrician regarding a story I’m pursuing on more women delivering babies via Cesarean sections.
The obstetrician mentioned the often-heard topic of how doctors these days order too many tests or opt for more expensive medical procedures that supposedly make the patient safer. The result is a more expensive health-care system.
The comment prompted me to think that Americans could never accept a medical system whereby they are guaranteed the best medical care when they want it.
The ongoing debate on health-care reform in Washington has heated opinions on both sides and for good reason.
Some principles of “Obamacare” include rationing, where not everybody is guaranteed a procedure or service just because they want or can pay for it. This has become a hot topic for seniors who don’t want to be denied end-of-life care when they need it.
My question still stands. Will Americans, after decades of such choice in a system, accept rationed health care?
Has this country’s demand for superior care every time, all time outpaced any ability to dramatically reform the methods of delivery?