The many Americans that thought the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care) would provide them with free healthcare are in for quite a surprise. Even though the new marketplace makes purchasing healthcare coverage more available and affordable for many Americans, especially those patients with pre-existing conditions, healthcare costs are far from free.

According to HealthCare.gov, health insurance deductibles available through the federal exchange in 34 states ranges from an average of $3,000 to more than $5,000 for the least expensive plans. Out-of-pocket limits for individual plans start at $4,350 and $8,700 for families.

Cost sharing, which is the required amount that consumers pay for their medical care is a maximum of $6,350 for individuals and $12,700 for families. A recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation cites that a majority of American families have less than $3,000 saved for these expenses.

This Kaiser survey states that many American families are having a difficult time paying their medical bills and higher cost sharing is a significant factor. Some of the consequences of higher medical debts include damaged credit, emotional distress, economic deprivation, deleted long term assets, housing instability and even bankruptcy.

With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act it is increasingly important for medical providers to be aware of their patient’s cost-share and ensure that appropriate steps are taken to collect these amounts in a timely manner. Part of any successful accounts receivable management program should include using an experienced third party collection agency, such as TSC Accounts Receivable Solutions, to assist with the collection of more difficult patient accounts. TSC has more than 22 years of experience in medical collections and is a proud member of the American Collectors Association, the California Association of Collectors and MGMA.