Medical Debt: How To Manage Healthcare Bills and Repayment

Medical debt can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years, but new rules limit what actually shows up. Here's what to know in 2026.

Do you have to pay medical bills? Usually yes, but you may have rights to dispute errors, appeal insurance, negotiate costs and seek aid before collections.

The Medical Debt Forgiveness Act has not passed as of 2026. Learn what the proposal would do and the medical debt protections available under current law.

Want to know how to get out of medical debt? Check bills for errors, ask about charity care, negotiate and set up a payment plan you can actually afford.