How to dispute a medical bill in Colorado
Colorado-specific law
Credit bureaus may not include medical debt in consumer reports or credit scores (except for credit above the federal conforming loan limit, such as large mortgages). Collectors must tell you this in their first written notice. The provisions are scheduled to repeal July 1, 2028.
Summary for education, last checked October 2026. Not legal advice; verify the current statute.
Federal rights that apply in Colorado
- 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).