Medical Collections on Credit Reports in Native American Communities
This report examines medical debt in collections on the credit records of consumers living in areas where a majority of residents are American Indian or Alaska Native. The analysis shows how consumers in Native communities are disproportionately affected by medical debt in collections, and how systemic factors related to the healthcare system can lead to different levels of debt.
Findings from an analysis of CFPB’s Consumer Credit Information Panel show that people in Native communities are significantly more likely to have medical debt in collections on their credit records compared to the national average, and that the amount of medical debt in collections on credit reports is higher in Native communities. Analysis of complaints data, and reports from health care providers, tribal officials, and other key stakeholders indicate that problems with billing, reimbursement, and credit reporting are common and pervasive for Native consumers.