🗺️ State Guides
Your state determines much of what protections you have against surprise billing, aggressive debt collection, and unaffordable hospital charges. These state-by-state guides explain your specific rights and what to do when hospitals don't follow the rules.
California Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In California, medical debt has a 4-year statute of limitations (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 337). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in California.
Read guide →Texas Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Texas, medical debt has a 4-year statute of limitations (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.004). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Texas.
Read guide →New York Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In New York, medical debt has a 3-year statute of limitations (NY CPLR § 213-d (reduced from 6 years in 2022)). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in New York.
Read guide →All State Guides Guides (69)
California Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In California, medical debt has a 4-year statute of limitations (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 337). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in California.
Texas Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Texas, medical debt has a 4-year statute of limitations (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.004). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Texas.
New York Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In New York, medical debt has a 3-year statute of limitations (NY CPLR § 213-d (reduced from 6 years in 2022)). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in New York.
Florida Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Florida, medical debt has a 5-year statute of limitations (Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(b)). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Florida.
Illinois Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Illinois, medical debt has a 10-year statute of limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-206). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Illinois.
Pennsylvania Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Pennsylvania, medical debt has a 4-year statute of limitations (42 Pa. C.S. § 5525). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Pennsylvania.
Ohio Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Ohio, medical debt has a 6-year statute of limitations (Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.06). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Ohio.
Georgia Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Georgia, medical debt has a 6-year statute of limitations (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-24). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Georgia.
North Carolina Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In North Carolina, medical debt has a 3-year statute of limitations (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in North Carolina.
Michigan Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Michigan, medical debt has a 6-year statute of limitations (MCL § 600.5807(8)). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Michigan.
New Jersey Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In New Jersey, medical debt has a 6-year statute of limitations (N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-1). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in New Jersey.
Virginia Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Virginia, medical debt has a 3-year statute of limitations (Va. Code § 8.01-246(4)). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Virginia.
Washington Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Washington, medical debt has a 6-year statute of limitations (RCW § 4.16.040). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Washington.
Arizona Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Arizona, medical debt has a 6-year statute of limitations (A.R.S. § 12-548). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Arizona.
Massachusetts Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Massachusetts, medical debt has a 6-year statute of limitations (M.G.L. c. 260 § 2). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Massachusetts.
Tennessee Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Tennessee, medical debt has a 6-year statute of limitations (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-109). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Tennessee.
Indiana Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Indiana, medical debt has a 6-year statute of limitations (Ind. Code § 34-11-2-9). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Indiana.
Missouri Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Missouri, medical debt has a 10-year statute of limitations (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.110). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Missouri.
Maryland Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Maryland, medical debt has a 3-year statute of limitations (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Maryland.
Wisconsin Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Wisconsin, medical debt has a 6-year statute of limitations (Wis. Stat. § 893.43). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Wisconsin.
Colorado Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Colorado, medical debt has a 6-year statute of limitations (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-103.5). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Colorado.
Minnesota Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Minnesota, medical debt has a 6-year statute of limitations (Minn. Stat. § 541.05). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Minnesota.
Oregon Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Oregon, medical debt has a 6-year statute of limitations (ORS § 12.080). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Oregon.
Nevada Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Nevada, medical debt has a 6-year statute of limitations (NRS § 11.190(2)(c)). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Nevada.
Connecticut Medical Debt Laws: Statute of Limitations, Garnishment & Your Rights
In Connecticut, medical debt has a 6-year statute of limitations (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-576). Learn about wage garnishment rules, credit reporting, and state-specific protections for medical debt in Connecticut.
South Carolina Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
SC hospitals must provide charity care under SC Code § 44-7-3410. Learn surprise billing rights, the 3-year debt SOL, and how to cut your bill. Free analysis.
Alabama Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
Alabama hospitals must provide charity care under AL Code § 22-21-8. Learn the 6-year debt SOL, wage garnishment limits, and how to fight your bill. Free scan.
Louisiana Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
Louisiana expanded Medicaid under LA RS 46:446.1 covering 138% FPL. Learn the 3-year debt SOL, charity hospital legacy system, and how to cut your bill. Free scan.
Kentucky Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
Kentucky expanded Medicaid via kynect and requires charity care under KRS 311.372. Learn the 5-year debt SOL, surprise billing rights, and how to cut your bill.
Oklahoma Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
Oklahoma expanded Medicaid in 2021 (SQ 802) and enacted HB 2846 surprise billing protections. Learn the 5-year debt SOL and how to cut your hospital bill. Free scan.
Utah Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
Utah hospitals must provide charity care under UT Code § 26B-2-224. Learn HB 228 debt rules, 6-year SOL, and how to cut your bill. Free analysis.
Arkansas Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
AR Code § 20-9-1501 requires charity care at Arkansas hospitals. Learn ARHOME Medicaid, 5-year SOL, and how to cut your hospital bill. Free analysis.
Iowa Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
IA Code § 135.71 requires charity care at Iowa hospitals. Learn IHAWP Medicaid, Iowa Consumer Credit Code, 5-year SOL, and how to cut your bill.
New Mexico Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
New Mexico HB 372 bans medical debt from credit reports. Learn Centennial Care Medicaid, 6-year SOL, and how to cut your hospital bill. Free analysis.
Nebraska Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
Nebraska expanded Medicaid via Initiative 427 and passed LB 1105 debt protections. Learn the 5-year SOL and how to cut your hospital bill. Free analysis.
Alaska Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
Alaska has the highest hospital markups in the US at 6.2× Medicare. Learn your rights, charity care options, and how to dispute inflated Alaska medical bills.
Delaware Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
Delaware's SB 125 bans surprise billing and DHSS requires charity care. Learn your rights, how to dispute a DE hospital bill, and how to reduce what you owe.
Hawaii Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
Hawaii's employer mandate and 97%+ insured rate keep markups lower at 3.8× Medicare. Learn HRS §432E surprise billing rights and how to dispute Hawaii medical bills.
Idaho Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
Idaho expanded Medicaid in 2020 and relies on federal NSA surprise billing rules. Learn your rights, charity care options, and how to dispute Idaho hospital bills at 4.7× Medicare.
Maine Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
Maine's LD 1472 bans surprise billing and DHHS requires charity care. Learn the 6-year SOL, wage garnishment rules, and how to dispute Maine hospital bills at 4.2× Medicare.
Mississippi Medical Billing Laws & Rights (2026)
Mississippi has the highest uninsured rate in the US at 18%+ and did not expand Medicaid. Learn charity care options, the 3-year SOL, and how to dispute MS hospital bills at 5.1× Medicare.
Montana Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
Montana's MCA §33-22-2001 bans surprise billing and charity care is required. Learn the 8-year SOL, rural CAH issues, and how to dispute MT hospital bills at 4.9× Medicare.
New Hampshire Medical Billing Laws & Rights (2026)
NH RSA 420-J bans surprise billing and DHHS requires charity care. Learn your rights, how to apply for Granite Advantage Medicaid, and how to dispute inflated bills.
North Dakota Medical Billing Laws & Rights (2026)
ND NDCC §26.1-36-09.16 bans surprise billing and Medicaid covers adults up to 138% FPL. Learn your rights and how to dispute inflated hospital bills in North Dakota.
Rhode Island Medical Billing Laws & Rights (2026)
Rhode Island has the longest medical debt SOL in the US at 10 years. OHIC bans surprise billing and HEALTH-002 requires charity care. Learn your rights as an RI patient.
South Dakota Medical Billing Laws & Rights (2026)
SD expanded Medicaid in 2023 via Amendment D. SDCL §15-2-13 gives a 6-year SOL on medical debt. Learn your rights, charity care options, and how to dispute SD hospital bills.
Vermont Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
Vermont's near-universal coverage and lowest-in-US 15% wage garnishment cap protect patients. Learn VT surprise billing rights, charity care, and how to dispute inflated bills.
West Virginia Medical Billing Laws & Rights (2026)
WV has the longest medical debt SOL in the US (10 yr) and the highest medical debt burden. WV Code §33-25A-8e bans surprise billing. Learn your rights as a WV patient.
Wyoming Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
Wyoming did not expand Medicaid and has the highest hospital markup in the Mountain West at 6.4× Medicare. Learn your rights, charity care options, and how to dispute WY bills.
Colorado Medical Billing Laws: Facility Fee Bans
Colorado bans facility fees at off-campus clinics and requires charity care up to 350% FPL. Learn your rights under HB 22-1285, surprise billing protections.
Virginia Medical Billing Laws: Balance Billing Protections
Virginia's HB 1251 bans surprise balance bills. Learn Virginia charity care rules, medical debt protections, wage garnishment limits, and how to dispute.
New Jersey Medical Billing Laws: Surprise Bill Protections
New Jersey has nation-leading charity care laws covering all hospitals, strong surprise billing protections, and a formal arbitration process.
Arizona Medical Billing Laws: Patient Rights
Arizona patients have surprise billing protections under ARS 20-3102, AHCCCS Medicaid coverage, and charity care options.
Massachusetts Medical Billing Laws: Health Safety Net
Massachusetts has near-universal coverage and unique billing protections including the Health Safety Net, Chapter 93A treble damages, and MassHealth.
Maryland Medical Billing Laws: The All-Payer System
Maryland is the only state where a government commission sets all hospital rates. Learn how the HSCRC all-payer system, charity care, and debt protections.
Minnesota Medical Billing Laws: Surprise Billing
Minnesota surprise billing law (62Q.556), MinnesotaCare, charity care rules, and medical debt protections. Learn how to dispute hospital bills and protect.
Indiana Medical Billing Laws: Facility Fee Restrictions
Indiana bans certain facility fees under HB 1004 and limits wage garnishment. Learn Indiana hospital billing rights and how to dispute inflated bills.
Washington State Medical Billing Laws
Washington bans surprise billing and requires charity care up to 400% FPL. Learn your rights under the BBPA, WA Charity Care Act, and how to dispute.
Connecticut Medical Billing Laws: Facility Fee Bans
Connecticut bans facility fees at hospital-owned offices and has strong surprise billing protections. Learn how CT laws protect patients and how to dispute.
California Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
California has the strongest patient billing protections in the US. Know your rights on surprise billing, charity care, and AB 774 before paying any bill.
Texas Hospital Charity Care: Free & Reduced Care (2026)
Texas has more uninsured residents than any state — but nonprofit hospitals must provide charity care. Learn income limits, how to apply, and your rights.
Florida Hospital Billing Rights: Wage Garnishment Exemptions
Florida has one of the strongest wage garnishment exemptions for medical debt. Learn your rights, charity care options, and how to dispute Florida hospital.
New York Medical Billing Laws & Patient Rights (2026)
New York offers strong patient billing protections — charity care up to 400% FPL, balance billing bans, and 180-day billing limits. Learn your rights.
Illinois Hospital Charity Care: Free
Illinois requires charity care up to 600% FPL — one of the broadest standards in the US. Learn income limits, how to apply, and what free care covers.
Pennsylvania Hospital Charity Care: Act 169
Pennsylvania's Act 169 requires hospitals to provide free care for low-income patients and bans wage garnishment for medical debt.
Georgia Hospital Billing Rights: Charity Care
Georgia has not expanded Medicaid and lacks a state charity care mandate — but federal 501(r) rules and the No Surprises Act still protect you.
Ohio Hospital Billing Rights: Charity Care
Ohio nonprofit hospitals must provide charity care under IRS rules, and your wages are partially protected from medical debt garnishment.
North Carolina Medical Debt Laws: No Wage Garnishment
North Carolina prohibits wage garnishment for medical debt by private collectors — one of only a handful of states with this protection.
Michigan Hospital Billing Rights: Patients' Rights Act
Michigan's Patients' Right to Independent Review Act and Medicaid expansion give patients strong protections. Learn Michigan's charity care rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do state laws protect me from surprise medical bills?
The federal No Surprises Act (2022) covers most out-of-network situations, but many states have additional protections. Some states cap what providers can charge, require more charity care, or limit medical debt collection.
What state has the best medical billing protections?
California, New York, and Colorado consistently rank highest for patient billing protections, with strong charity care laws, low statute of limitations on medical debt, and robust surprise billing rules.
Can a hospital sue me for an unpaid medical bill?
Yes, but the statute of limitations varies by state — from 2 years (some states) to 10+ years. Many states also prohibit wage garnishment for medical debt. Check your state's guide for specifics.