AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH CARE SERVICE COST ESTIMATES.

SB 264 requires all health care providers (like hospitals and clinics) to give patients a written cost estimate for any health care service before treatment begins. This directly affects patients seeking medical care by providing transparency about expected costs upfront. The key provision mandates that providers must provide these estimates as a standard step before delivering services. The bill aims to help patients understand potential expenses before receiving care, without changing insurance coverage or payment structures. This is a concrete policy change focused on cost transparency for patients.