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.

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