What the credit bureaus don't report
Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion adopted these policies in 2022 and 2023. They're the bureaus' own policies rather than federal law, but they remain in effect:
| Policy | Since |
|---|---|
| Paid medical collections are removed from credit reports | July 2022 |
| Unpaid medical collections don't appear until they've been in collections for one year | July 2022 |
| Medical collections with an original balance under $500 aren't reported | April 2023 |
The federal rule that didn't take effect
In January 2025, the CFPB finalized a rule that would have kept most medical debt off credit reports. A federal court in Texas vacated it on July 11, 2025, so it never took effect. Some states have passed their own laws limiting medical debt reporting.
Medical collection errors we look for
- Medical collections under $500, or paid, that are still showing
- Collections reported less than a year after going to collections
- Bills that should have been covered by insurance, or that are still under appeal
- Duplicate reporting by the provider and a collector
- Wrong balances or dates
How we help
We match your medical collections against the bureau policies and your state's rules, dispute items that shouldn't be reported, and help you work with providers and insurers on billing errors. Fixing the bill at the source often fixes the report.
Frequently asked questions
Is medical debt still on credit reports in 2026?
Some is. Paid medical collections, those under $500, and those less than a year old shouldn't appear. Unpaid medical collections of $500 or more can still be reported after a year, unless your state law prevents it.
Did the CFPB ban medical debt from credit reports?
The CFPB issued a rule in January 2025, but a federal court vacated it on July 11, 2025, before it took effect.
What should I do if a paid medical bill is still on my report?
Dispute it with the bureaus that show it. Under their policies, paid medical collections should be removed.
Sources
Last updated October 22, 2026. Educational information only, not legal advice.