Blocked Rule Keeps Dental and Medical Debt on Credit Reports
A federal court decision has kept medical and dental debt tied to Americans’ credit reports, raising concerns about financial insecurity and access to care. With dental bills making up a significant portion of healthcare debt, patients may face added barriers to treatment and long-term oral health.
The recent decision by a federal judge to block a rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has significant implications for patients and providers alike. The rule would have removed medical and dental debt from credit reports, but its suspension means unpaid healthcare bills will continue to influence credit scores. For many patients, this creates a cycle where oral health needs go unmet due to fear of financial repercussions.
Surveys consistently show that dental costs are a major driver of healthcare debt. In KFF’s 2022 Health Care Debt Survey, four in 10 adults reported healthcare-related debt, and more than a quarter cited unpaid medical or dental bills specifically. Among those affected, many reported lowered credit scores, limiting their ability to secure loans, housing, or even reliable transportation. These financial constraints can further delay preventive care or treatment, worsening oral health outcomes over time.
The burden is not limited to those with chronic needs. A majority of adults with healthcare debt traced it back to one-time or unexpected events such as an emergency procedure or injury. For dentistry, this might mean patients delaying necessary restorative or surgical treatments until they become urgent and more costly.
With healthcare costs continuing to rise and support programs shifting, patients may increasingly struggle to balance oral health with financial security. Click here to read more.
