Q: Can unpaid dental premium <$500 be sent to collections and affect your credit score?
The reason I ask is because I know the 3 credit reporting agencies say that medical debt <$500 won't affect your credit.
So even if sent to collections, it won't affect your credit score.
A:
In California, unpaid dental premiums, even if less than $500, can indeed be sent to collections. If this happens, it could negatively affect your credit score. When a debt is sent to collections, it typically gets reported to credit bureaus, and as a result, it appears on your credit report.
It's important to address such debts proactively. You might want to contact the dental insurance provider or the collections agency to discuss possible payment plans or settlements. This can often prevent further damage to your credit score.
Remember, maintaining good communication with creditors and addressing debts promptly can help in managing your financial health effectively. If you're facing such a situation, acting sooner rather than later is usually in your best interest.
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