The CFPB Medical-Debt Reporting Rule
Since 2023–2025 updates, the credit bureaus and the CFPB have narrowed when a medical collection can appear on a consumer credit report. This page explains the changes in plain English.
Last reviewed by UseYourCredit editorial team.
Paid medical collections must be removed
Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion no longer report paid medical collections regardless of original balance. If a paid medical account still appears, dispute it under FCRA §611 and cite the joint bureau policy statement.
Under $500 is excluded
Unpaid medical collections with an original balance under $500 are excluded from credit reports. Balances at or above $500 remain reportable but only after the delay window below.
The 12-month reporting delay
Reportable medical collections may not appear on a credit file until 365 days after the date of first delinquency. Use that window to confirm insurance processing, dispute coding errors, and negotiate using the Hospital Bill Negotiation Playbook.
If a medical collection is on your report anyway
File a dispute with each bureau and the furnisher, include the itemized bill, EOB, and any FAP application. The Credit Repair & Recovery hub covers the standard dispute framework.