WASHINGTON —

Medical debt will continue to impact credit scores after a federal judge blocked a Biden-era rule designed to erase it from credit reports. The rule aimed to improve credit scores and expand access to home loans and credit cards.

A federal judge struck down the rule, which would have erased medical bills from credit reports and prevented lenders from using medical history to deny loans. This decision does not mean anyone owes additional money, but it does mean medical debt will be factored into credit scores, potentially making it more expensive or harder to buy a house, a car, or even get a credit card.

The Trump-appointed judge said the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau overstepped its authority. The rule, finalized earlier this year but not yet in effect, was pro

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