Medical Bill Statute of Limitations: State-by-State Guide

Statute of Limitations (SOL) on Medical Debt by State

The SOL for written contracts (most medical bills) ranges from 3–10 years. Oral contracts and open accounts often have shorter periods. The clock starts at date of last payment or last charge (varies by state), not date of service.

Selected State SOLs (Written Contract)

State	Years	Notes
California	4	CCP §337
New York	6	CPLR §213
Texas	4	Civ. Prac. & Rem. §16.004
Florida	5	§95.11
Illinois	10	735 ILCS 5/13‑206
Pennsylvania	4	42 Pa.C.S. §5525
Ohio	8	§2305.06
Georgia	6	§9‑3‑24
North Carolina	3	§1‑52
Virginia	5	§8.01‑246

Critical Nuances

• Partial payment or written acknowledgment can restart the SOL in many states.
• Judgment SOL (post‑lawsuit) is often 10–20 years, renewable.
• FDCPA prohibits suing or threatening suit on time‑barred debt (but debt still exists).
• Credit reporting: 7‑year limit from delinquency (FCRA), independent of SOL.

Action Steps If Sued

1. Verify the debt (validation letter within 30 days of collection notice).
2. Check your state’s SOL; raise as affirmative defense if expired.
3. Consult a consumer‑law attorney (NACA directory) for representation.
4. Do not make a “good faith” payment on time‑barred debt—it may revive the SOL.

This is legal information, not advice. Statutes change; confirm with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.