Washington D.C. Medical Bill Rights & Programs: UNLIMITED Homestead, 3-Year SOL, and the Nation's Broadest Debt Collection Law

DC Code 28-3814(o): Time Limits on Medical Debt Lawsuits

In Washington D.C., creditors have only 3 years from the date of service to file a lawsuit to collect medical debt. After that deadline passes, the debt is considered "time-barred" and cannot be collected through the courts. But D.C. goes further than most jurisdictions with an important additional protection:

• Zombie debt protection. In many states, making any payment on a time-barred debt restarts the statute of limitations clock, giving the creditor a fresh window to sue you. D.C. explicitly prevents this. Making a payment on time-barred debt does NOT restart the clock.
• Cannot sue on expired debt. Collectors in D.C. are prohibited from filing lawsuits on debts that have passed the statute of limitations. Attempting to do so may violate DC Code 28-3814.
• Private right of action. If a collector violates these rules, you can sue for statutory damages under DC Code 28-3814, which provides a private right of action for consumers.

What Collectors and Hospitals Cannot Do Under DC Code 28-3814:

• Cannot threaten to sue on time-barred debt. If the 3-year statute of limitations has passed, threatening a lawsuit is a violation.
• Cannot use deceptive practices. Misrepresenting the amount owed, adding unauthorized fees, or implying government affiliation are all prohibited.
• Cannot contact you at unreasonable times or places. Calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. are prohibited, as is contacting you at work if you have asked them to stop.
• Cannot harass or abuse. Repeated calls intended to annoy, threats of violence, and the use of obscene language are all violations.
• Cannot collect amounts not authorized by the agreement or law. Unauthorized fees, inflated interest, or charges not in the original agreement are prohibited.

D.C.'s High Minimum Wage Creates a Generous Protection Floor

D.C. wage garnishment is limited to the lesser of two amounts: 25% of disposable wages, or the amount by which disposable wages exceed 40 times the D.C. minimum wage ($17.95/hr). Because D.C. has one of the highest minimum wages in the country, this creates a substantial protection floor:

Hardship Motion (DC Code 16-572.01)

Even if your wages are above the protected threshold, D.C. law allows you to file a hardship motion to reduce or eliminate garnishment. If you can demonstrate that garnishment would cause undue hardship for you or your dependents, the court can modify the garnishment order. This is an important tool for anyone facing garnishment for medical debt.

• File the motion in D.C. Superior Court. You can request a hearing to present evidence of hardship.
• Free legal assistance available. Tzedek DC and Legal Aid DC can help you file a hardship motion at no cost.

DC Code 40-201: Limited to Personal Injury Cases

In D.C., hospital liens are only permitted for personal injury cases under DC Code 40-201. This means a hospital can place a lien on a personal injury settlement or judgment to recover the cost of treating injuries from an accident. However, this lien power is narrow:

• Only applies to personal injury cases. If your medical debt is from routine care, illness, or a procedure not related to a third-party injury claim, the hospital cannot place a lien.
• Health Care Benefits Lien Reduction Act. Even when a hospital lien is valid, D.C. law allows you to negotiate the lien amount down. This is particularly important in personal injury settlements where the lien could otherwise consume most of the recovery.
• Combined with the unlimited homestead exemption, your home is protected from both judgment liens and hospital liens for medical debt.

D.C. Medicaid (Up to 138% FPL)

• Adults: Up to 138% FPL (~$20,784/year for a single person in 2026)
• Children: Higher income thresholds apply for children and pregnant women
• No asset test for MAGI-based Medicaid
• Apply through DC Health Link or call (855) 532-5465

DC Healthcare Alliance

The DC Healthcare Alliance provides coverage for undocumented residents who do not qualify for Medicaid. Important notes about the current status of this program:

• Being phased out for adults 26+. The program is undergoing changes, and coverage for adults age 26 and older is being phased out.
• Still available for younger residents. Residents under age 26 may still qualify for Alliance coverage.
• Contact DC Health Link at (855) 532-5465 for current eligibility information.

Federal and D.C. Protections Against Surprise Bills

D.C. residents are protected by the federal No Surprises Act, which provides baseline protections against unexpected medical bills. Key protections include:

• Emergency services: You cannot be balance billed for emergency services, even from out-of-network providers. You pay only your in-network cost-sharing amount. See our guide to lowering ER bills for more tips.
• Out-of-network providers at in-network facilities: If you receive care at an in-network hospital but are treated by an out-of-network provider (such as an anesthesiologist or radiologist), you are protected from balance billing.
• Good faith estimates for uninsured patients: If you are uninsured or paying out of pocket, you have the right to receive a good faith estimate of expected charges before scheduled services. If the final bill exceeds the estimate by $400 or more, you can dispute it through the federal patient-provider dispute resolution process.

D.C. Insurance Regulation (DISB)

The D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking (DISB) regulates health insurance plans sold in the District. If your insurer denies a claim or imposes unexpected charges, you can file a complaint with DISB at (202) 727-8000. DISB can investigate and take enforcement action against insurers that violate D.C. insurance regulations.

D.C. Resources for Medical Bill Help: