HB 251 amends the Texas Health and Safety Code to improve transparency and accuracy in healthcare billing for nonemergency elective medical services. The bill defines "estimate" as a comprehensive statement of the total payment a facility will accept for a service, including all sources of payment. Under HB 251, healthcare facilities must provide patients with a binding estimate of charges within 24 hours of request. Additionally, the final bill cannot exceed the estimate by more than 5%, unless the increase is due to complications or a new diagnosis documented in the patient's chart. If charges exceed the estimate by more than 5%, facilities must issue an itemized explanation. Facilities that fail to comply cannot pursue collections against patients, report to credit bureaus, or take legal action. This Act will take effect on September 1, 2025​.