How to remove medical bills?

Review Your Credit Report and Check for Accuracy

Start by obtaining a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You are entitled to one free credit report from each bureau annually, and you can request them through AnnualCreditReport.com.

Scrutinize your credit reports for any inaccuracies related to medical bills. Verify the dates, amounts, and details of each entry. If you find any discrepancies or errors, document them for future reference.

Validate the Debt

Request validation of the medical debt from the collection agency or creditor reporting it. They must provide detailed information about the debt, including the original amount owed, dates, and proof of ownership. If they fail to validate the debt, you have grounds for disputing its presence on your credit report.

Dispute the Inaccuracies

File a dispute with each credit bureau reporting the inaccurate medical bill. This can be done online, by mail, or over the phone, though online is the fastest method. You can take online action at:

• Transunion
• Equifax
• Experian

Clearly explain the errors and provide any supporting documentation you have gathered. The credit bureaus have 30 days to investigate and respond to your dispute.

Dispute with Original Creditor

If the medical bill is still with the original creditor and not a collection agency, contact the medical provider directly. Sometimes, they may be willing to withdraw the reported debt if there was an error or if you arrange a payment plan.

Negotiate a Pay-for-Delete Agreement

If the debt is valid but you’ve since paid it off, negotiate with the creditor or collection agency for a “pay-for-delete” agreement. This is where you agree to pay the debt in exchange for the removal of the negative entry from your credit report. While not guaranteed, some creditors may be willing to negotiate.