Medical debt credit reporting laws, state by state

Fifteen states have passed laws limiting how medical debt appears on credit reports, on top of the federal baseline. Select your state for what applies to your bill.

California Credit reporting law

In effect since Jul 2025

Colorado Credit reporting law

In effect since Aug 2023

Connecticut Credit reporting law

In effect since Jul 2024

Delaware Credit reporting law

In effect since Oct 2025

Illinois Credit reporting law

In effect since Jan 2025

Maine Credit reporting law

In effect since Jun 2025

Maryland Credit reporting law

In effect since Oct 2025

Minnesota Credit reporting law

In effect since Oct 2024

New Jersey Credit reporting law

In effect since Jul 2024

New York Credit reporting law

In effect since Feb 2023

Oregon Credit reporting law

In effect since Jan 2026

Rhode Island Credit reporting law

In effect since Jul 2025

Vermont Credit reporting law

In effect since Jul 2025

Virginia Credit reporting law

In effect since Apr 2024

Washington Credit reporting law

In effect since Jul 2025

Live somewhere else? Every other state follows the federal baseline: paid medical collections and unpaid medical debt under $500 are generally kept off credit reports, and unpaid balances of $500 or more can only be reported after a one-year waiting period. The federal No Surprises Act and your right to an itemized bill apply in all 50 states.

Have a medical bill you're not sure about?

Upload it and we'll review every charge, free.

This page summarizes general, publicly available information as of mid-2026 and is not legal advice. State medical-debt laws change often and some protections are currently being challenged in court. Confirm current details with your state attorney general's consumer protection office. ItemizeIt is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.