Representative Junie Joseph’s HB26-1139 Signed Into Law, Establishing New Protections Against Artificial Intelligence in Health Care

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 3, 2026

DENVER, CO — Representative Junie Joseph today celebrated the administrative signing of HB26-1139 by Governor Jared Polis, marking a significant victory for working people, patients, and psychotherapists across Colorado.

HB26-1139 establishes important safeguards for the use of artificial intelligence in health care coverage decisions and protects the integrity of psychotherapy services. The law requires that AI systems used in utilization review consider an individual's medical history and clinical circumstances rather than relying solely on generalized data, and it ensures that any denial of coverage based on medical necessity receives review by a qualified human clinician. The legislation also prohibits public and private insurers from reimbursing psychotherapy services conducted directly by artificial intelligence systems.

Representative Joseph worked closely with local providers, mental health professionals, advocates, and national experts throughout the legislative process. As concerns grew over the increasing encroachment of artificial intelligence into health care and psychotherapy, Rep. Joseph engaged with stakeholders across Colorado and organizations such as Public Citizen to identify best practices and craft thoughtful protections for patients and providers.

"One of the most important things this bill accomplishes is not simply regulating artificial intelligence in healthcare," said Rep. Joseph. "It disincentivizes AI psychotherapy altogether. By prohibiting insurance reimbursement for psychotherapy conducted by artificial intelligence, Colorado is making a clear statement that mental health care should remain fundamentally human. Healing requires empathy, judgment, and human connection, not just information processing."

Rep. Joseph added, "I have long said that I do not want to see a two-tiered healthcare system emerge in Colorado, one where wealthy patients receive care from human professionals while everyone else is pushed toward cheaper AI substitutes. That may be an insurance company's dream, but it is not my vision for healthcare. By refusing to reimburse AI-delivered psychotherapy, we are helping ensure that whether a person is wealthy or struggling to make ends meet, they are more likely to receive care from another human being. Human-centered care should not become a luxury good."

"Major health insurance providers are increasingly using AI to make coverage decisions. This has led to an increase in claim denials, often wrongfully. Everyday people are literally paying the price — paying for procedures out of pocket or forgoing medical care," said Ilana Beller, Organizing Manager with Public Citizen. "We are so glad this legislation puts critical protections in place to ensure that AI is used equitably and fairly in the healthcare coverage decision-making process and that only a qualified human, not AI, can make an adverse decision."

"Psychotherapy is a human activity," said Andrew Rose of COMBINE. "The healing mechanism is the interaction of two human nervous systems, and the Colorado legislature has done humanity a service by protecting this sacred relationship."

Rep. Joseph expressed gratitude to the many stakeholders, providers, advocates, legislative sponsors, and Governor Polis whose collaboration made the bill possible.

"As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into our daily lives, we must ensure that innovation serves people rather than replacing human judgment in the most sensitive areas of care," said Rep. Joseph. "HB26-1139 strikes that balance by protecting patients, preserving access to human-centered mental health care, and ensuring accountability when AI is used in health care decision-making."