Omaha City Wire

Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03) have introduced bipartisan legislation named The Reporting Medical Debt Payments as Positive Consumer Credit Information Act of 2024. This bill aims to change federal law so that medical payments are reported on credit reports, which could help individuals with debt build their credit.

Currently, medical debt negatively impacts credit scores, while making payments on this debt does not improve them. The proposed legislation seeks to amend these limitations by allowing medical payments to be positively reflected in an individual’s credit score.

“Medical bills shouldn’t affect individuals' credit score,” said Rep. Bacon. “I do not support individuals getting penalized for medical bills being paid through payment plans. Some medical bills can cost thousands of dollars, if not more. Healthcare is one of the most unaffordable insurances for individuals.”

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez echoed this sentiment: “If you’re working hard to pay off your medical bills, you should be able to see it reflected in your credit score. Reporting positive progress on medical debt will help working families across Southwest Washington build credit for the future in spite of the financial strain of unexpected medical expenses.”

The bill has garnered support from various stakeholders including credit companies, health insurance providers, hospitals, and patients who agree that it will help Americans nationwide by alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with medical expenses.

###