ME LD1301: An Act to Prohibit the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Denial of Health Insurance Claims

In one paragraph

Not law. Maine's LD 1301 would have set conditions, beginning January 1, 2026, on health insurance carriers and their contractors that use artificial intelligence in medical or utilization review decisions to approve, deny, delay or modify coverage. Despite its title, it did not ban AI. AI determinations would have had to rest on the enrollee's medical history and clinical circumstances and not supplant provider decision-making, and could not discriminate. Any denial, delay or modification based on medical necessity would have needed a clinical peer. The committee voted Ought Not To Pass on January 14, 2026; final disposition January 27, 2026.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

None: the bill died, so it creates no obligations in Maine.

Key provisions

1. 1Applies beginning January 1, 2026 to carriers and third parties they contract with, adding 24-A M.R.S. §4304 sub-§8
2. 2AI-based determinations must be based on the enrollee's medical history and clinical circumstances and must not supplant provider decision-making
3. 3AI may not directly or indirectly discriminate, including on the basis of present or predicted disability, and must be fairly and equitably applied
4. 4Determinations open to inspection; AI use disclosed in written policies and subject to accountability policies reviewed for accuracy and reliability
5. 5Denial, delay, modification or adjustment based on medical necessity must be made by a clinical peer
6. 6No enforcement or penalty provision in the text; Ought Not to Pass Pursuant To Joint Rule 310, January 27, 2026

Latest legislative action

Jan 27, 2026. Ought Not to Pass Pursuant To Joint Rule 310

Sponsors (showing 5 of 32)