United StatesRemoves medical debt from consumer credit reports and credit decisions
Many Americans carry medical bills; removing that information from credit decisions can change loan access, interest rates, and financial stability.
What it does
Defines “medical debt” in the Fair Credit Reporting Act as debt from receiving medical services, products, or devices.
Changes the FCRA exclusion list so that consumer reports must exclude “any adverse information related to a medical debt,” including medical debts placed for collection.
Clarifies that consumer reporting agencies may still collect medical-debt information even if they cannot include it in consumer reports.
Requires the CFPB to amend regulations within one year to prohibit creditors from obtaining or using information about a consumer’s medical debt when deciding to extend credit.
Makes technical and conforming amendments to remove prior carve-outs related to medical contact information in FCRA provisions.
Argument forRemoves medical-bill records from credit reports, reducing the chance that unavoidable medical expenses hurt consumers’ credit scores and access to loans.
Argument againstRemoving medical-debt information from reports and lender reviews could make it harder for creditors to assess borrower risk, potentially increasing interest rates or reducing credit availability.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 21Introduced in SenateLatest
- May 21Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.Introduced
Consumer ProtectionHealthcareGovernment & Ethics