Following Luján’s Urging, CFPB Announces Rules to Block Inclusion of Medical Debt on Credit Reports

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) applauded the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) decision to finalize a rule that will block the inclusion of medical debt on credit card reports. The CFPB estimates that $49 billion in medical bills will be removed from credit reports of roughly 15 million Americans. Blocking medical debt on credit reports will reduce the burden of medical debt for Americans, ensure that patients are not denied access to credit, and prevent debt collectors from abusing the credit reporting system to coerce Americans to pay medical bills they may not owe.

"No American should have their economic future thrown into chaos because they got sick or are faced with high medical costs," said Senator Luján. "CFPB's final rule will change the lives of millions and help ensure that Americans aren't denied access to credit because of the burden of medical debt. In some cases, some of these medical bills do not even reflect what people actually owe. This is a positive step forward, and I am committed to helping New Mexicans live with dignity."

In March 2024, Senator Luján called on CFPB Director Rohit Chopra to eliminate reporting of all medical debt in consumers' credit reports. Senator Luján has long worked to support Americans facing medical debt. In November 2024, Senator Luján introduced the Medical Bankruptcy Fairness Act to ease the burden on Americans forced into bankruptcy because of unforeseen medical expenses.

Learn more about the CFPB's finalized rule here.

###