Medical Debt Protections in Maryland
State protections for medical debt in Maryland, including credit reporting and collection limits.
Short answer: Yes, for hospital bills. A hospital may not report a patient to a credit bureau or sue for at least 240 days after the first bill, and had to instruct credit bureaus to delete prior adverse reports by November 1, 2025. Md. Code, Health-Gen. § 19-214.2; Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-102(c)(3)
| Medical debt protections | Yes, for hospital bills. A hospital may not report a patient to a credit bureau or sue for at least 240 days after the first bill, and had to instruct credit bureaus to delete prior adverse reports by November 1, 2025. Hospitals may not charge interest before a judgment, seek a lien on or force the sale of the patient's primary residence, seek body attachment or arrest, or garnish wages of patients eligible for free or reduced-cost care. The 12-year limitations period for sealed contracts does not apply to hospital debt. A further amended version of § 19-214.2 takes effect June 30, 2028 (Chapter 750 of 2025). |
|---|
Where to get help in Maryland
- Maryland Office of Financial Regulation (licenses collection agencies; enforces the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act)
- File a complaint or claim
More Maryland debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Maryland
- Wage Garnishment in Maryland
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Maryland
- What Creditors Can't Take in Maryland
- All Maryland debt & collections rules
FAQ
What protections apply to medical debt in Maryland?
Yes, for hospital bills. A hospital may not report a patient to a credit bureau or sue for at least 240 days after the first bill, and had to instruct credit bureaus to delete prior adverse reports by November 1, 2025. Hospitals may not charge interest before a judgment, seek a lien on or force the sale of the patient's primary residence, seek body attachment or arrest, or garnish wages of patients eligible for free or reduced-cost care. The 12-year limitations period for sealed contracts does not apply to hospital debt.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.