How to dispute a medical bill in New York
New York-specific law
Credit bureaus may not report or keep medical debt in your file, and hospitals, licensed providers, and ambulance services may not furnish it. Debt reported in violation is void.
Source: N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 380-j (Fair Medical Debt Reporting Act, 2023)
Summary for education, last checked October 2026. Not legal advice; verify the current statute.
Federal rights that apply in New York
- 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)).
- 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).