If you’re like many Americans, you’re constantly dealing with some form of medical debt. Most insurers don’t pay all of your bills, so it’s a perennial hassle.
When you pay off debt, it shouldn’t pop up on your credit report, which can hurt you if you need future loans.
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), “if you’re one of the millions of Americans with overdue medical bills, you may be able to take steps to ensure this information no longer affects your credit, including your access to employment and housing.”
What do you need to know? You have specific rights under federal law:
- If you previously had a medical collection under $500, a paid medical collection, or a collection less than a year old on your credit report, check to make sure they no longer appear on your reports. Be aware, however, that this doesn’t include credit card collections, even if you used your credit card to pay for a medical expense under $500.
- Also, while you’re looking at your reports, check for any other information that might be inaccurate.
- If you find a medical collection under $500, a paid medical collection, a collection less than a year old, or errors on your report, you can dispute that information with the credit reporting company.
Still having an issue resolving debt reporting issues? “If you find invalid medical bills on your credit report or if you’re having issues disputing other medical bill errors with the credit reporting companies, submit a complaint to the CFPB.”
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