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Medical Debt Protection: New Rules for Collections and Credit Reporting

This act introduces new rules for medical debts to protect citizens. It limits when collection agencies can begin collecting medical debts and when such debts can appear on credit reports. This aims to reduce the negative impact of medical debts on citizens' creditworthiness.
Key points
Debt collectors can only begin collecting medical debts 2 years after the first payment was due.
Information about debts from medically necessary procedures cannot be included in credit reports at all.
Other medical debts can only appear on a credit report after 365 days from their origin or notification.
If a medical debt is paid or settled by you or an insurance company within 365 days, it cannot be reported to credit bureaus.
Before a medical debt is reported, you will receive a notice about your rights, including contacting your insurer or applying for financial assistance.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_2537
Sponsor: Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-13]
Process start date: 2021-04-14
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Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Consumer Protection for Medical Debt Collections Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_2537.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-04-14.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Debt collectors can only begin collecting medical debts 2 years after the first payment was due.
  • Information about debts from medically necessary procedures cannot be included in credit reports at all.
  • Other medical debts can only appear on a credit report after 365 days from their origin or notification.
  • If a medical debt is paid or settled by you or an insurance company within 365 days, it cannot be reported to credit bureaus.
  • Before a medical debt is reported, you will receive a notice about your rights, including contacting your insurer or applying for financial assistance.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-13].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-27.

CATEGORIES

Health Courts and Law Economy