Medical bills are too arbitrary to be a part of credit reports. Oregon lawmakers pass bill to keep medical debt off

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Oregon lawmakers pass bill to keep medical debt off credit reports

A bill aimed at preventing medical debt from impacting patients’ credit scores won final approval in the Oregon Legislature Monday.

Senate Bill 605, which the House passed with revisions last week, cleared the Senate on an 18-12 vote. The legislation would remove medical debt from credit reports and bar debt collectors, hospitals and clinics from reporting unpaid medical bills to credit agencies. It applies not only to debt owed directly to providers but also to credit cards issued solely for covering medical expenses.

Backers say the bill offers needed protection for patients, arguing that medical debt is not something most people can plan or budget for, like student loans, mortgages and other types of debt.

Rep. Nathan Sosa, D-Hillsboro and one of the bill’s chief sponsors, argued that going into debt after being rushed to the hospital for an emergency is not the same as going into debt for a luxury vacation. He also said unpaid medical bills are often rife with inaccuracies because of mistakes in billing or disputes with insurers.

https://www.oregonlive.com/health/2025/06/oregon-lawmakers-pass-bill-to-keep-medical-debt-off-credit-reports.html

Medical bills are too arbitrary to be a part of credit reports