Can health care providers in CT require you to keep a credit or debit card on file to receive care?

Under Public Act 25-97, Section 4, health care providers in Connecticut can no longer require patients to give a credit or debit card number, or provide bank account information, as a condition to receive care. The legislation went into effect in October 2025, after its passage in the legislative session earlier in the year.

Providers can still request electronic payment voluntarily for patient convenience and timely payment, but it’s illegal to make it a prerequisite for treatment. Penalties can result in fines up to $5,000 through the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act.

A health care provider can still request, collect or store bank, credit or debit card or other payment-related information if the patient agrees to provide that information.

This law does not affect the patient’s obligation to pay for services.