This is common sense legislation that I urge the committee to approve. If we can get estimates for repair work on our cars and houses, why not on our bodies? It's time for Virginia to end the stress of surprise billing and empower patients to make informed decisions about their health.

I am writing to express my support for HB1276, a bill before before your subcommittee on Tuesday, February 9 that would give Virginians basic, common-sense information about what they may be asked to pay for non-emergency medical care. Too often, patients agree to routine tests or procedures without any idea of the cost, only to receive bills they never would have consented to had they known the amount in advance. HB1276 addresses this gap by asking providers to tell patients they have a right to a reasonable, good-faith effort to tell patients what they are likely to owe, including when an unmet deductible will significantly increase their responsibility. This bill is about informed consent, fairness, and affordability — values that matter deeply to our base. It also includes protections for providers who act reasonably and rely on information from insurers or patients. HB1276 is a modest step, but it would make a real difference for people trying to navigate health care decisions responsibly and avoid unexpected financial harm. I hope you will give HB1276 your full support. Thank you for your time and service.

Subject: Please Support HB1276 — Basic Cost Transparency for Patients Dear delegates: I am writing to express my support for HB1276, a bill before before your subcommittee on Tuesday, February 9 that would give Virginians basic, common-sense information about what they may be asked to pay for non-emergency medical care. Too often, patients agree to routine tests or procedures without any idea of the cost, only to receive bills they never would have consented to had they known the amount in advance. HB1276 addresses this gap by asking providers to tell patients they have a right to a reasonable, good-faith effort to tell patients what they are likely to owe, including when an unmet deductible will significantly increase their responsibility. This bill is about informed consent, fairness, and affordability — values that matter deeply to our base. It also includes protections for providers who act reasonably and rely on information from insurers or patients. HB1276 is a modest step, but it would make a real difference for people trying to navigate health care decisions responsibly and avoid unexpected financial harm. I hope you will give HB1276 your full support. Thank you for your time and service. Sincerely, Shaheen Khurana 3002 Miller Heights Road Oakton, VA 22124

I am in support of this bill because it is a way to improve our health care system.

The number one reason families go bankrupt in this country is because of medical debt. Having health care providers provide an out-of-pocket cost estimate to individuals and families *before* they receive coverage, allows them to look elsewhere for lower cost care if necessary. Due to an insurance change, I almost had to pay $1,500 for routine MRI. I was fortunate that the person at the front desk let me know the cost before the procedure as a courtesy, allowing me to find a more reasonably priced one elsewhere. Most folks don't find out until they receive a bill in the mail. If Democratic leaders are truly focused on affordability, HB1276 should be passed. Thank you.

I'd like to urge the members of the subcommittee to support this legislation, HB1276, which would give individuals and families in the Commonwealth a chance to understand the costs before they receive non-emergency health care services. For almost every commercial service, Virginians have the reasonable expectation that they receive an estimate before agreeing to move forward. But right now there is no way to ensure families receive an estimate of costs for non-emergency healthcare. Healthcare costs are a leading cause of personal bankruptcies in the Commonwealth and around the country. This legislation would be a smart and easy way to ensure they know what they're getting into before it is too late. Please pass HB1276 and send it to the Senate for approval. Thank you.