Medical Debt Protections in Rhode Island
State protections for medical debt in Rhode Island, including credit reporting and collection limits.
Short answer: Medical debt may not be reported to credit bureaus, and credit bureaus may not record or report it (since Jan. 1, 2025). Collection letters must say that Rhode Island law prohibits credit bureaus from reporting medical debt. R.I. Gen. Laws 6-60-2 to 6-60-4; 10-5-2; 10-5-8
| Medical debt protections | Medical debt may not be reported to credit bureaus, and credit bureaus may not record or report it (since Jan. 1, 2025). Collection letters must say that Rhode Island law prohibits credit bureaus from reporting medical debt. Collection, lawsuits and credit reporting must pause while an insurance appeal is pending. Since January 1, 2026, a judgment based on medical debt cannot be collected by wage garnishment or by attaching the debtor's principal residence. Section text: http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE6/6-60/6-60-4.htm |
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Where to get help in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Banking Division (registers debt collectors)
- File a complaint or claim
More Rhode Island debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Rhode Island
- Wage Garnishment in Rhode Island
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Rhode Island
- What Creditors Can't Take in Rhode Island
- All Rhode Island debt & collections rules
FAQ
What protections apply to medical debt in Rhode Island?
Medical debt may not be reported to credit bureaus, and credit bureaus may not record or report it (since Jan. 1, 2025). Collection letters must say that Rhode Island law prohibits credit bureaus from reporting medical debt. Collection, lawsuits and credit reporting must pause while an insurance appeal is pending. Since January 1, 2026, a judgment based on medical debt cannot be collected by wage garnishment or by attaching the debtor's principal residence.
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.