Credit problems
Medical Debt on Your Credit Report
Nobody chooses to get sick. The rules for medical debt on credit reports have changed significantly in recent years — in your favor.
What the credit bureaus changed
Equifax, Experian and TransUnion made three important policy changes:
- Since July 1, 2022, paid medical collections are removed from credit reports.
- Since July 1, 2022, unpaid medical collections are not reported until they are at least one year old — giving you time to work with your insurer and provider.
- Since April 2023, medical collections with an original balance under $500 are not reported.
In January 2025 the CFPB finalized a rule that would have removed most medical debt from credit reports, but a federal court vacated that rule later in 2025. The bureaus’ voluntary policies above, the FCRA, and your state’s laws are what apply — and several states have passed their own laws limiting medical debt reporting. Rules in this area continue to change, so check for current updates.
Medical billing errors are common
- Bills sent to collections while your insurance claim was still pending or being appealed
- Charges your insurer should have paid, or amounts above your plan’s allowed amount
- Surprise out-of-network bills that the No Surprises Act may protect you from
- Balances you already paid or that financial assistance should have covered
- Duplicate charges or services you never received
What you can do
- Request an itemized bill and your insurer’s explanation of benefits.
- Ask the hospital about financial assistance — nonprofit hospitals are required to have a financial assistance policy.
- If a collector contacts you, use your validation rights.
- Dispute any medical collection that is paid, under $500, less than a year old, or inaccurate.
Sources: Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1681b(g), 1681i, 1681s-2; Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692g; No Surprises Act, Pub. L. 116-260, div. BB.
Ready to take control of your credit?
Start your credit transformation today. We will review your situation and show you your options — honestly.
Common questions
Should a paid medical collection still be on my report?
Under the credit bureaus’ policy since July 2022, paid medical collections should be removed. If one remains, dispute it.
What about medical bills on a credit card?
Medical costs paid with a regular credit card are treated like any other credit card balance.