CA Medical Debt

California Medical Debt Laws

Everything you need to know about medical debt in California: SOL is 4 years, garnishment capped at 25% or amount exceeding 40x min wage, and 4 state-specific protections apply.

4 years

SOL (open/revolving accounts)

$2,459

Avg medical debt

25% or amount exceeding 40x mi

Garnishment cap

How to Dispute Medical Debt in California

Request itemized bill with CPT codes

Check for No Surprises Act violations

Apply for hospital financial assistance

Dispute errors line by line

Negotiate — hospitals accept 40-60% routinely

California State Law

Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

File complaints: AG Consumer Protection

Relevant Federal Laws

FDCPA (15 USC 1692)
FCRA (15 USC 1681)
FTC Act 5
CFPB Reg F

California Consumer Protections

Rosenthal Act applies to ORIGINAL creditors too (not just collectors)

Strong wage exemptions — up to 75%

Community property state

2-year SOL for oral contracts

Medical Debt Tips for California Residents

ALWAYS get an itemized bill before paying

Nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance

Medical debt has 365-day credit reporting grace period

Dispute Medical Debt in California

DebtShield generates AI dispute letters that cite California law (Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) and federal FDCPA protections.

Generate California Medical Debt Dispute Letter