On the surface, medical debt isn’t any different from other types of debt. It can end up on your credit score, is dischargeable in bankruptcy, and can have a negative impact on your credit score. However, there are a few reasons why some consider medical debt a more unique form of debt.
Experts argue that medical debt is different from other forms of debt as it is often out of the consumers control, can knock up to 100 points off of a credit score and can remain on your credit report for up to seven years. Medical debt collections are very difficult to get off your credit reports, and the only way to get them removed is if the original merchant withdraws them or they have been filed erroneously.
Congress is considering the Medical Debt Responsibility Act which would require medical bills, $2,500 or lower, be removed from credit reports 45 days after they are paid in full.