- Author: George Haines
- Published
Medical debt can weigh heavily on Nevada families—but that burden doesn’t last forever.
So, what is the statute of limitations on medical debt in Nevada?
In Nevada, the statute of limitations on medical debt is six years. Creditors must file a lawsuit to collect within that time, or the debt becomes legally unenforceable.
At Freedom Law Firm, we help Nevadans understand their debt rights and stop unlawful collection actions. Below, we explain exactly how Nevada law protects you from old medical bills.
What Does Statute of Limitations Mean for Medical Debt?
The statute of limitations refers to the legally defined period during which a creditor has the right to file a lawsuit to collect a debt. After that time passes, you may still owe the money—but they can no longer sue you to collect it.
Key points about medical debt in Nevada:
- Most medical debt is considered written contract debt
- Nevada law gives six years to take legal action
- The clock starts from the date of your last payment or activity
Once the statute of limitations expires, the debt becomes “time-barred.” You can no longer be sued in court, although collectors may still contact you unless you tell them to stop.
Understanding Time-Barred Debt
Time-barred debt refers to any debt where the legal statute of limitations has expired. In Nevada:
- Medical debt (written contracts): 6 years
- Verbal agreements or oral contracts: 4 years
Important facts about time-barred debt:
- It can still appear on your credit report for up to 7 years.
- Collectors may still contact you, but cannot threaten or sue you legally.
- If sued, you must respond and assert the statute of limitations as an affirmative defense.
- Proof of last payment date is crucial if your case goes to court.
Even if the debt is time-barred, responding to lawsuits and collection attempts incorrectly can restart the clock or lead to unfavorable judgments.
Debt Collection Laws in Nevada
Nevada follows both federal and state laws that regulate how debt collectors can interact with consumers. These laws offer strong protections for anyone facing pressure from creditors.
Key protections under Nevada and federal law:
- The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits harassment, misrepresentation, and threats.
- Collectors must provide written notice before attempting to collect on a medical debt.
- Abusive tactics—such as constant phone calls, false threats, or calling at odd hours—are prohibited.
- Consumers have the right to sue collectors who violate the FDCPA.
Wage Garnishment in Nevada:
- Creditors must obtain a court judgment before garnishing wages.
- Nevada law limits garnishment to the lesser of 25% of your disposable earnings or the amount by which your income exceeds 50 times the federal minimum wage.
Tip: If you’re being harassed, you can file a complaint with the Nevada Attorney General or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
How Long Do Creditors Have to Sue for Medical Debt in Nevada?
Medical providers and their billing agencies typically have up to six years from the date of service or last payment to pursue unpaid charges through legal action in Nevada.
Under NRS 11.190(1)(b), this applies to medical bills that arise from:
- Hospital stays
- Doctor visits
- Emergency services
- Surgery or outpatient treatment
- Dental procedures
- Physical therapy or rehab services
The statute applies whether your debt is owed to:
- A hospital or medical provider
- A third-party billing company
- A debt collector that purchased the debt
If more than six years have passed since your last payment or written acknowledgment, any lawsuit filed against you may be dismissed.
When Does the Statute of Limitations Start?
In Nevada, the statute of limitations begins from the date of your last payment, charge, or written acknowledgment of the debt. This means:
- If you make a partial payment, it resets the clock.
- If you send a letter admitting you owe the debt, it may also restart the timeline.
Tip: Avoid making small payments or acknowledging the debt in writing if the statute is close to expiring—this could give collectors more time to sue.
What Happens If a Debt Collector Sues You After the Statute Has Expired?
If a collector sues you after the statute of limitations has passed:
- You must respond to the lawsuit and assert the statute of limitations as a defense.
- If you ignore the lawsuit, the court may still issue a default judgment against you.
- If you properly respond, the case can be dismissed based on the expired statute.
Freedom Law Firm can help you file a proper response and stop any collection attempts based on time-barred debts.
Can Medical Debt Still Appear on Your Credit Report After 6 Years?
Yes—but for a shorter time. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), most unpaid medical debt stays on your credit report for seven years from the date of delinquency.
However, recent changes now protect consumers:
- As of July 2022, paid medical debt no longer appears on credit reports.
- Unpaid medical bills under $500 are no longer reported by major credit bureaus.
This means even if the statute of limitations has expired, the debt may still impact your credit score for one more year, unless it qualifies for removal under new rules.
What Should I Do If I’m Being Harassed Over Old Medical Bills?
If you’re receiving aggressive collection calls or letters about old medical debt:
- Request written validation of the debt.
- Check the date of last activity to see if the statute of limitations has expired.
- Do not make payments or admit the debt in writing unless you’ve consulted an attorney.
- Send a written cease-and-desist letter if you want the calls to stop.
- Speak with a debt relief attorney to explore your legal protections.
Reminder: You are protected under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) from harassment, misrepresentation, and unlawful lawsuits.
Alternatives If You Can’t Pay Your Medical Debt
If you’re overwhelmed by medical debt in Nevada, you may have more options than you think:
1. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
- Wipes out medical debt entirely
- Quick process (typically 3–6 months)
- No repayment plan required
2. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
- Repayment plan over 3–5 years
- Medical debt often repaid at pennies on the dollar
3. Debt Settlement
- Negotiate to reduce the amount owed
- May avoid bankruptcy, but can impact credit
4. Nonprofit Credit Counseling
- Consolidate payments
- Get help managing your overall financial picture
Learn more about your bankruptcy options in Nevada.
Reclaim Your Financial Peace of Mind
Medical debt shouldn’t follow you for life. If you’re being threatened or sued for old bills, Freedom Law Firm can help you understand your rights and fight back.
Call (702) 819-8692 or schedule a free consultation.
No obligation. No pressure. Just answers and relief.
Resources:
- Nevada Revised Statutes – NRS 11.190
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Medical Debt
- Federal Trade Commission – Debt Collection Rights
- AnnualCreditReport.com – Get Your Free Reports
Further Reading:
- Can You Clear Medical Debt in Bankruptcy?
- Medical Debt and Bankruptcy
- Study Finds Medical Bills Chief Cause of Bankruptcy
- 5 Things to Know in Las Vegas about Seeking Medical Care after Bankruptcy
FAQs About Medical Debt and Bankruptcy
How long is the statute of limitations on medical debt in Nevada?
Six years. Creditors must sue within this time or they lose the right to enforce the debt in court.
What resets the statute of limitations on medical bills?
A payment, charge, or written acknowledgment of the debt can restart the 6-year clock.
Can medical debt still hurt my credit after 6 years?
It can remain on your credit report for up to 7 years, though recent reforms reduce reporting for smaller debts.
What if I’m sued for old medical debt in Nevada?
You must respond and assert the statute of limitations as a legal defense—or risk a default judgment.
Will bankruptcy eliminate my medical debt?
Yes. Medical debt is dischargeable under both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Nevada.
