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ARTICLE · 17 JULY 2026

Massachusetts Governor Proposes Medical Debt Rules

Ballard Spahr LLP
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Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has proposed regulations that would prohibit licensed medical care providers and debt collectors from reporting medical debt to consumer credit agencies. The proposal aims to protect patients from long-term financial harm following unexpected medical emergencies, with non-compliant providers potentially losing their licenses. This move follows similar actions in at least 17 other states, though some state laws face legal challenges based on federal preemption arguments.

United StatesConsumer Protection
Richard J. Andreano, Jr.
Richard J. Andreano, Jr.
John L. Culhane, Jr.
John L. Culhane, Jr.
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Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has proposed regulations that would stop certain companies in the state from reporting medical debt to consumer credit agencies. 

The proposal would prohibit licensed medical care providers and debt collectors working for them from reporting medical debt to credit bureaus, intending to help patients avoid long-term financial harm after an unexpected illness or medical emergency. 

Providers that don’t comply could lose their license to practice, according to state officials.

“Getting sick is hard enough. It shouldn’t ruin your credit,” Governor Maura Healeysaid. “No one should have to worry that seeing a doctor, filling a prescription or taking their child to the emergency room will damage their financial future. Medical debt shouldn’t make it harder to buy a home, rent an apartment or get a loan years after you’ve recovered and when you’re working hard to make your payments. This action will help protect patients while we continue our work to

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