Medical Debt Collection: How Long Can Unpaid Bills Be Reported?

The rules for how long collection agencies can report unpaid medical debts depend on the specific laws and regulations in your state. In most cases, collection agencies can report unpaid medical debts for seven to ten years. However, some states have shorter reporting periods, such as four or five years.

It's also worth noting that the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits collection agencies from using deceptive or abusive tactics to collect debts. This includes making false or misleading statements about the debt, such as claiming that it's older than it actually is. If you believe a collection agency is engaging in unfair practices, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).