DO NOT PAY MEDICAL DEBT WITH A CREDIT CARD
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Credit card debt often has higher interest rates and fees
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Healthcare providers may be more willing to negotiate than credit card companies and you are less likely to be sued over medical debt than credit card debt.
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Medical debt and credit card debt are treated differently on credit reports​​
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Unpaid balances on medical credit cards are usually treated as credit card debt, not medical debt.
MEDICAL DEBT IS TREATED DIFFERENTLY THAN OTHER DEBT
Federal law generally prevents medical debt from appearing on your credit report until it is at least six months past due.
Medical debt is generally removed from your credit report after seven years. Once paid, it is generally removed from your credit report.
Nonprofit hospitals are expected to make reasonable efforts to determine if you qualify for charity care before taking aggressive collection actions.
YOUR NECESSARY LIVING EXPENSES COME FIRST!
It's important to remember that unlike medical debt, unpaid rent, utilities, or car loans may quickly lead to eviction, shutoffs, foreclosure, or repossession. Before paying medical debt, make sure your essential needs like housing, utilities, food, and transportation are protected, since falling behind on these can create more immediate and serious consequences for you and your family.