Can unpaid medical bills go on your credit report in Connecticut?

Under Connecticut law, unpaid medical bills cannot be reported to credit agencies for inclusion on a credit report. In May 2024, Gov. Ned Lamont signed Public Act 24-6, “An Act Concerning the Reporting of Medical Debt,” which took effect July 1, 2024. The law prohibits health care providers, hospitals, and collection entities from reporting any portion of a person’s medical debt to a credit rating agency. It also requires providers to include contract provisions preventing debt collectors from reporting medical debt.

Additionally, any medical debt that is reported to a credit agency is considered void under the law. The legislation applies broadly to debts related to health care goods and services, including hospital care, medical equipment and prescriptions.

The law does not, however, “include debt charged to a credit card unless the credit card” is issued under a credit plan to specifically pay for health care services or goods.