Medical debt and your credit

The three nationwide credit bureaus changed how they handle medical debt: paid medical collections are removed from credit reports, unpaid medical collections aren't reported until a year after they're sent to collections, and medical collections under $500 aren't reported.

What you can do

• Check your credit reports free at AnnualCreditReport.com
• Dispute medical debts that are wrong or already paid
• Ask for financial assistance or a payment plan before a bill goes to collections
• If a collector contacts you, ask for written validation of the debt

Learn more

ConsumerFinance.gov has guides on medical debt and debt collection rights. Some states have additional protections.

General educational information, not medical or insurance advice. Dime and Dollar isn't paid by any insurer, provider, pharmacy or discount program.