Collection, Debt Settlement, and Credit Counseling

To learn more about Credit and Debit/Consumer advice, visit: the Federal Trade Commission website at: https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-and-debt/credit-and-debt

To learn more about prohibited fees and specific provisions of debt settlement, visit the Federal Trade Commission website at: https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/plain-language/bus72-debt-relief-services-telemarketing-sales-rule-guide-business.pdf

To learn more about debt collection, visit the Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) website: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/debt-collection/

For more information visit the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). The NFCC features various articles related to debt and can also assist in connecting consumers with a certified credit counselor to help review financial goals, a budget, and create a personalized plan.  For more information visit: https://www.nfcc.org/

Idaho Patient Act – Medical Billing & Debt Collection Protections –The Idaho Patient Act helps protect consumers from aggressive or unfair medical debt collection. Before a healthcare provider or billing company can take “extraordinary collection actions”—like reporting to credit agencies, garnishing wages, or filing lawsuits—they must first give patients a clear, itemized bill and allow time to resolve any billing issues. The law ensures transparency in medical billing, giving Idahoans a fair chance to understand and address their medical expenses before facing collections. Read the full Idaho Patient Care Act: https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2020/legislation/H0515.pdf