Medical Debt Credit Reporting: What Furnishers Need to Know in 2025

Medical debt credit reporting has become one of the most contentious and rapidly changing areas in the credit industry. If your business reports medical debt, you need to understand the current legal landscape.

The Regulatory Rollercoaster of 2025

January 2025: CFPB finalized a rule that would have removed all medical debt from credit reports.

July 2025: A federal court in Texas vacated the CFPB rule. Medical debt can continue to appear on credit reports.

October 2025: New guidance suggests federal law prevents states from restricting medical debt reporting.

Current Requirements

Voluntary industry changes remain: The three major bureaus exclude:

• Medical collections under $500
• Medical debts less than one year old
• Paid medical debts

State laws may apply: More than 15 states have their own medical debt reporting restrictions. Check your state requirements.

Best Practices

• Know your state requirements
• Verify debt accuracy before reporting
• Respect the 12-month waiting period
• Don't report debts under $500
• Document everything
• Respond to disputes promptly