Can medical bills affect my credit score in 2026?

Yes, but only if they go unpaid for more than one year and the balance is more than $500. Paid medical bills and bills less than $500 are excluded by the major credit bureaus.

How do I find a hospital’s charity care limit?

Search your hospital’s website for “501(r) Financial Assistance Policy” or something similar. You can also call your provider’s billing department. Your state may also have a record of hospital policies.

What is a good faith estimate?

If you schedule a medical procedure at least three days in advance, the provider must give you a written good faith estimate. According to CMS, if the procedure is within three to nine business days, you can get the estimate within one business day. If it’s 10 or more business days out, you should get an estimate within three business days. You should ask your provider for an estimate before seeking care if they haven’t provided one. You’ll need this GFE to dispute your medical bills.

Can I use my QSEHRA or ICHRA to pay a medical debt from a previous year?

No. IRS rules require that the medical expense be incurred during the current plan and while you’re a participant. You can’t use current year HRA contributions to pay a previous year’s bills. However, you can use your HRA contribution toward a current-year procedure if your employer allows reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses. Additionally, you generally have up to 90 days to request reimbursement for expenses incurred during the previous year with any remaining HRA balances. This is known as a runout period.

Elizabeth Walker

Elizabeth Walker is a content marketing specialist at Remodel Health and PeopleKeep. Since starting with the company in April 2021, she has become well-versed in writing about HRAs, health benefits, and small business solutions. Outside of her expertise in the healthcare benefits industry, Elizabeth has been a writer for more than 20 years and has written several poems and short stories. She's published two children’s books in 2019 and 2021, which she is developing into a series of collected works. Her educational background as a classical musician and love of the arts continue to inspire her writing and strengthen her ability to be creative.

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