How to dispute a medical bill in California
California-specific law
Since Jan 1, 2025, no one may furnish medical debt information to a credit reporting agency. If someone knowingly does, the debt is void and unenforceable.
Summary for education, last checked October 2026. Not legal advice; verify the current statute.
Federal rights that apply in California
- No Surprises Act: uninsured or self-pay patients billed $400+ over their Good Faith Estimate can start a patient-provider dispute within 120 days of the bill (cms.gov/nosurprises).
- Charity care: nonprofit hospitals must publish a Financial Assistance Policy and accept applications for at least 240 days after the first post-discharge bill (IRS 501(r)(6)). Dollar For helps patients apply for free.
- Itemized bill: you can ask any provider for an itemized bill with billing codes before paying. Our free letter makes the request.
- Debt collection: you can demand validation of a debt from a collector (FDCPA, 15 U.S.C. 1692g).
- 2026 poverty guideline (48 states + DC): $15,960 for 1 person, +$5,680 per additional person (HHS).