debt collection

Kayce Atencio, who has been shadowed by medical debt for most of his adult life, had been unable to rent an apartment because of poor credit due to medical debt, he said. Recent reporting changes by credit rating agencies have removed many debts from consumer credit reports and lifted scores for millions, a new study finds.

As some medical debt disappears from Americans' credit reports, scores are rising

11:33am November 02, 2023

by Noam Levey

Credit rating agencies have removed small unpaid medical bills from consumer credit, and some people are seeing their credit scores improve, a new study finds.

Health & Safety

As University Hospital Hounds Debtors, Doctors Say It's Doing Harm

12:10pm December 01, 2019

by Lulu Garcia-Navarro

The University of Virginia Health System has sued more than 36,000 patients for unpaid medical bills. NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro speaks Dr. Michael Williams, who is fighting the practice.

Queue Listen Now

Medical debt is the most common reason for collection calls, a federal study found.

Medical Debt Is Top Reason Consumers Hear From Collection Agencies

2:45pm January 24, 2017

by Michelle Andrews

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports that 59 percent of people contacted by a debt collector had outstanding medical bills. Telecommunications and utility bills trailed far behind.

Federal Agency Says Consumers Feel Threatened By Debt Collectors

8:06pm January 12, 2017

by Yuki Noguchi

A survey by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finds that more than 1 in 4 Americans contacted by collectors feel threatened. The bureau is revamping rules for the industry.

Regulators Draw Up New Rules To Stop Abusive Practices By Debt Collectors

5:22pm July 28, 2016

by Jim Zarroli

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau receives more complaints about debt collection than any other issue.