Understanding Medical Debt and Credit Impact

Medical bills generally become credit-impacting debt if they remain unpaid for an extended period. As of July 2022, medical debts under $500 are not included in credit reports by major credit bureaus. Most medical providers may send bills that are due immediately or within 30 days, but they typically allow a grace period of 90 to 180 days before sending debts to collections. This means individuals should monitor their credit reports and make sure that bills are paid on time to avoid complications, especially if they share financial responsibilities with another party.