WASHINGTON – A consumer advocacy group is hailing an announcement by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) related to medical debt.
The VA has published a final rule in the Federal Register amending procedures for reporting debt to consumer reporting agencies that the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) is saying is a step in the right direction.
“Medical debt is not a good predictor of creditworthiness, and none of us should worry that an unexpected medical bill could damage our credit history,” said Jenifer Bosco, staff attorney with the NCLC. “The Department of Veterans Affairs has sent a strong message that the credit reporting of medical debt is harmful, and it is time to end this harm to veterans with VA medical debt.”
Added Berneta Haynes, also a staff attorney with the NCLC, “Because non-white veterans are more likely to use the VA for healthcare needs, this rule will go a long way toward protecting the financial well-being of veterans of color. Veterans and military families should not need to worry that seeking medical care or receiving an overpayment of benefits could prohibit them from renting a house or obtaining an auto loan.”
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