What is the statute of limitations on medical billing in Texas?
Asked by: Alessia Berge | Last update: July 13, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (15 votes)
How long does a medical provider have to bill you in Texas?
Texas has a "timely billing" law. It requires health care service providers to bill a patient no later than the first day of the 11th month after services were provided. If the bill is not sent within the timeframe in the law, the health care service provider cannot try to collect payment for certain charges.
How long before a medical debt is uncollectible in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for medical debt is still four years. But the clock starts ticking on the date the services were provided, not when you received the bill or made a payment. If you had a medical procedure and didn't pay, the provider has four years to sue for unpaid debt.
How far back can a medical provider bill you?
“It's normally within three to six years,” Gross explains. “[But] even after that time, the hospital can still try to collect.” These time frames are called medical billing time limits, which is how long it's allowed to take to submit a claim to the payer—whether that's you or your insurance.
Do I have to pay a medical bill that is over a year old?
Providers typically have between 6 months and 1 year (depending on state law) to bill services to your health plan. If they miss this window, the insurer will not pay. But that doesn't release you from paying – the provider can still bill you directly for the full amount.
Staute of Limitations on Debt in Texas
Can a doctor bill me 4 years later?
In most states, the statute of limitations to collect on unpaid medical bills is between three and six years.
Am I responsible for my 20 year olds medical bills?
“Normally, if you're 18 or older, you're considered the responsible party, even if you're insured under your parents' policy,” Gundling said. Under the Affordable Care Act, parents can keep their children up to age 26 on their insurance policy, even if the adult kids are financially independent and live on their own.
How long before medical bills are written off?
The Debt May Still Affect You
The length of time depends on which state you live in and how you communicate with the debt collector. The SOL has nothing to do with how long medical debt collections stay on your credit report. It usually takes seven years for most debts to fall off of your credit report.
How long does medical billing have to bill you?
In medical billing, the provider has a time limit that determines how soon they must submit a claim before the payer denies it. While every insurance provider maintains a different “timely filing” period, the deadlines range from 90 days up to a year.
Is there a statute of limitations on medical billing in Texas?
Because Texas law prescribes a four-year statute of limitations to debt actions (e.g., a suit to recover on a hospital bill), the insured arguably faces potential liability for late-billed charges even with an extension for up to three years after the period for seeking coverage has expired.
Can a 10 year old debt still be collected?
Old (Time-Barred) Debts
In California, there is generally a four-year limit for filing a lawsuit to collect a debt based on a written agreement.
Can you go to jail for not paying medical bills in Texas?
Unpaid medical bills can lead to severe legal consequences, including actions from healthcare providers or debt collectors. Ignoring these actions may result in court orders and, in extreme cases, jail time due to contempt of court. Addressing unpaid medical bills promptly is essential to avoid such outcomes.
Can a hospital sue you for unpaid medical bills in Texas?
Legal Action: Persistent non-payment can lead to legal action. Healthcare providers or collections agencies may sue you to recover the debt, potentially resulting in wage garnishment or liens on your property.
What is the statute of limitations in Texas for healthcare?
Though the statute of limitations gives you two years from the date you discovered the malpractice, there is also a 10-year statute of repose. This means that no matter what, medical malpractice lawsuits must be filed within 10 years of the incident that caused harm.
What are the consequences of unpaid medical bills?
Medical debt can also lead people to avoid medical care, develop physical and mental health problems, and face adverse financial consequences like lawsuits, wage and bank account garnishment, home liens, and bankruptcy.
Do I have to pay an invoice over 6 years old?
You might not have to pay a debt if: it's been six years or more since you made a payment or were in contact with the creditor.
Should I pay a debt that is 7 years old?
You're not obligated to pay, though, and in most cases, time-barred debts no longer appear on your credit report, as credit reporting agencies generally drop unpaid debts after seven years from the date of the original delinquency.
How long can a debt collector legally pursue old debt in Texas?
Texas law gives someone 4 years to bring a lawsuit for unpaid debt.
Do unpaid medical bills go away after 7 years?
Judgments stay either seven years or until the statute of limitations in your state is up, whichever is longer. And here's one more caveat: While unpaid medical bills will come off your credit report after seven years, you may still be legally responsible for them depending on the statute of limitations.
How long does a company have to collect a medical bill?
Medical bills are collectible for a period of 30-180 days. The amount of time a doctor's office will attempt to collect payment from a patient depends on the amount of the outstanding balance and standard practice procedures for collecting late payments.
Can medical bills be written off?
Generally, you can deduct on Schedule A (Form 1040) only the amount of your medical and dental expenses that is more than 7.5% of your AGI.
Should you pay old medical bills?
Paying off your medical collection account is a good first step to rebuilding your credit. You should also bring any other past-due debts current as soon as possible. Make all your payments on time going forward.
Can I be liable for my son's debt?
If your child left any debts or outstanding credit agreements, no one else should be liable for them unless the debt was taken on jointly or someone acted as a guarantor.
Am I responsible for my deceased parents medical bills?
In most cases, the deceased person's estate is responsible for paying any debt left behind, including medical bills. If there's not enough money in the estate, family members still generally aren't responsible for covering a loved one's medical debt after death — although there are some exceptions.