MA · medical-debt statute of limitations
Massachusetts
Written contract
6 yr
Open account / oral
6 yr
Most common for medical
6 yr
Open-account period
How medical debt is treated in Massachusetts
Massachusetts applies a 6-year limit to contract actions, including medical bills (M.G.L. ch. 260, § 2).
Last verified June 16, 2026.
Can the clock restart?
A payment (M.G.L. ch. 260, § 14) or a signed acknowledgment (§ 13) can restart the clock in Massachusetts.
Estimate the window for your Massachusetts debt
Enter the date the clock most likely started — usually the date of last payment or activity.
Select your state and a date to see an estimate of whether the debt is within your state's limitations window.
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Massachusetts medical-debt questions
Note on credit reporting: The CFPB finalized a rule in January 2025 to remove most medical bills from consumer credit reports, but it was VACATED on July 11, 2025 by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Cornerstone Credit Union League v. CFPB) and is NOT in effect as of 2026. The court also held that the federal FCRA preempts similar state laws. Do not assume medical bills are barred from credit reports under federal law — confirm the current status on consumerfinance.gov. CFPB.