Medical Debt Rights by State
State rules vary by debt type, plan, provider, facility, and effective date. Use the entries below as research leads and verify the current official source before relying on a state-specific claim.
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Audit my billAlabama
No state law - Federal No Surprises Act applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Alaska
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Arizona
HB 2833 (2020) - Emergency service balance billing protection Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Arkansas
No state law - Federal No Surprises Act applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
California
California AB 72 and later amendments address specified out-of-network emergency and in-network facility situations; verify the plan and service facts. Verify current source and applicability.
This state has a reviewed pilot rule set; each rule remains conditional on its stated scope and exceptions. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary. Check the current official source: https://hcai.ca.gov/affordability/hospital-fair-billing-program/laws-and-regulations/
Colorado
HB 19-1174 (2019) - Emergency and in-network facility protections Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Connecticut
HB 5609 (2015) - Emergency and out-of-network protection Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Delaware
Limited state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
District of Columbia
DC Law 22-266 (2019) - Comprehensive protection Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Florida
HB 221 (2016) - Limited to HMO plans Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Georgia
HB 888 (2020) - Emergency services and facility fees Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Hawaii
Limited state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Idaho
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Illinois
Network Adequacy and Transparency Act + HB 317 Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Indiana
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Iowa
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Kansas
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Kentucky
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Louisiana
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Maine
LD 1865 (2020) - Emergency services protection Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Maryland
HB 1122 (2017) - Comprehensive protection Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Massachusetts
Chapter 224 (2012) - One of first comprehensive laws Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Michigan
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Minnesota
Limited state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Mississippi
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Missouri
SB 579 (2021) - Limited emergency protections Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Montana
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Nebraska
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Nevada
AB 469 (2019) - Emergency and ground ambulance protection Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
New Hampshire
HB 1809 (2018) - Emergency services protection Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
New Jersey
P.L. 2018 c.32 - Comprehensive out-of-network protection Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
New Mexico
HB 147 (2019) - Comprehensive surprise billing law Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
New York
Emergency Medical Services & Surprise Bills Law (2015) - PIONEER Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
North Carolina
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
North Dakota
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Ohio
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Oklahoma
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Oregon
HB 2524 (2019) - Emergency services and facility fees Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Pennsylvania
No comprehensive state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Rhode Island
Limited state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
South Carolina
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
South Dakota
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Tennessee
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Texas
SB 1264 (2019) - One of strongest state surprise billing laws Verify current source and applicability.
This state has a reviewed pilot rule set; each rule remains conditional on its stated scope and exceptions. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary. Check the current official source: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/medical-billing/faq.html
Utah
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Vermont
Act 77 (2019) - Comprehensive balance billing protection Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Virginia
HB 1251 (2020) - Emergency services protection Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Washington
HB 1065 (2019) - Comprehensive surprise billing law Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
West Virginia
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Wisconsin
Limited state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
Wyoming
No state law - Federal applies Verify current source and applicability.
This state is a research lead only; state-specific legal claims are disabled until primary sources, dates, scope, and exceptions are reviewed. Verify the debt type, plan, provider, facility policy, and effective date before relying on this state summary.
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Federal Protections (All States)
No Surprises Act (2022)
Protects patients from surprise bills for emergency services and out-of-network providers at in-network facilities. Requires good faith cost estimates.
501(r) Charity Care
All nonprofit hospitals must have written financial assistance policies and cannot take extraordinary collection actions without eligibility screening.
FDCPA Protection
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices to collect debts.
Credit Bureau Policy
As a matter of voluntary policy (not law), the three national credit bureaus exclude medical debt under $500 and remove paid medical debt from credit reports.