Springfield Hospital v. Commissioner of Public Welfare

One Early, a recipient of old age assistance, was eligible for full payment of hospital costs under the program known as “medical assistance for the aged” (MAA). See G. L. c. 118A, §§ 13-32, inserted by St. 1960, c. 781, § 8. He had no resources which could be used to reduce hospital costs. On August 6, 1963, he was admitted to The Springfield Hospital (Springfield). Springfield promptly notified the Chicopee board of public welfare of the admission and received from that local board authorization to send bills directly to it.

Early remained in the hospital for eighteen days, until August…