Medical Debt Kit

Medical debt is the number one cause of bankruptcies in the United States. 

Fear of the costs for medical care and of incurring debt keeps patients from seeking healthcare, often leading to worse health outcomes as their illness progresses. In Maryland, 12% of households have medical debt they or a family member can’t pay. Medical debt disproportionately affects low-income communities, where residents face higher rates of collection actions and medical-related lawsuits. 

For Marylanders: Maryland passed House Bill HB1020 stating that medical debt of any kind and any amount, regardless of paid or unpaid status, is no longer reportable to the credit bureaus in Maryland. If you are a Maryland resident and medical debt is appearing on your reports, dispute it as unreportable medical debt and cite Maryland House Bill 1020. More information here: Maryland Office of Financial Regulation Industry Guidance on New Laws on Collection of Medical Debt 

More information on the OFR's memo can be found here: Maryland OFR Issues Guidance on New Medical Debt Collection Laws

See more information here: Medical Debt Protections Maryland | Economic Action MD Fund 

What's In This Kit

LETTERS

Fillable debt validation, dispute, cease & desist, pay-for-delete, and credit bureau letters

GUIDES

Complete Field Guide with detailed instructions for every scenario

CHECKLISTS

Tracking log to record all letters sent and responses received

REFERENCE

FDCPA Rights Cheat Sheet, State Statute of Limitations Chart, FAQ

File a Complaint

CFPB: (855) 411-2372

Website: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint

FTC: (877) 382-4357

NOT LEGAL ADVICE

The Healthcare Bills and Benefits Compass Project is a community service, NOT a law firm.

We do NOT provide legal advice

We do NOT provide legal representation

Using these documents does NOT create any attorney-client relationship

NO GUARANTEES

We make NO guarantees about outcomes

Not all debts can be successfully disputed

Not all negative items can be removed from credit reports

Results vary based on individual circumstances

IMPORTANT NOTICE

This kit provides general information about debt collection and credit reporting laws and is NOT legal advice.⚠️

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

By using these documents, you acknowledge:

1. You are solely responsible for the accuracy of all information you provide

2. You will verify all information is current before relying on it

3. Laws and requirements may change; verify with official sources

4. You accept full responsibility for your actions and their outcomes

5. You will consult a licensed attorney if you have complex circumstances

WHEN TO CONSULT AN ATTORNEY

We recommend consulting a licensed attorney if:

You are being sued for a debt

You believe your rights have been violated

The debt amount is significant

You have multiple creditors pursuing you

You are considering bankruptcy

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The Healthcare Bills and Benefit Compass Project, its owners, employees, and affiliates shall not be held liable for any errors, omissions, outcomes, or damages arising from the use of these documents. Maximum liability is limited to the purchase price of this kit.