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Medical bills are seen in Temple Hills, Md., on June 26, 2023. Credit: AP Photo / Jacquelyn Martin

No.

Under Connecticut law, unpaid medical bills cannot be reported to credit agencies for inclusion on a credit report. In May 2024, Gov. Ned Lamont signed Public Act 24-6, “An Act Concerning the Reporting of Medical Debt,” which took effect July 1, 2024. The law prohibits health care providers, hospitals, and collection entities from reporting any portion of a person’s medical debt to a credit rating agency. It also requires providers to include contract provisions preventing debt collectors from reporting medical debt.

Additionally, any medical debt that is reported to a credit agency is considered void under the law. The legislation applies broadly to debts related to health care goods and services, including hospital care, medical equipment and prescriptions.

The law does not, however, “include debt charged to a credit card unless the credit card” is issued under a credit plan to specifically pay for health care services or goods.

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Reginald David is the Community Engagement Reporter for CT Mirror. He builds relationships across Connecticut to elevate community voices and deepen public dialogue around local issues. Previously, he was a producer at KCUR 89.3, Kansas City’s NPR station, where he created community-centered programming, led live event coverage for major events like the NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Parade, and Royals Opening Day, and launched KC Soundcheck, a music series spotlighting local and national artists. Reginald has also hosted special segments, including an in-depth interview with civil rights leader Alvin Brooks and live community coverage on issues like racial segregation and neighborhood development. He began his public media career as an ‘Integrity in News’ intern at WNPR in Hartford.