Falmouth Hospital v. Commissioner of Public Welfare

Barbara F. Taft was admitted to Falmouth Hospital on October 28, 1980, and was cared for there until her death on January 2, 1981. On November 5, 1980, the hospital, as a licensed provider of medical services, had applied to the Department of Public Welfare for medical assistance benefits in respect to this patient pursuant to G. L. c. 118E, § 8. On January 26,1981, the department denied the hospital’s claim on the ground that Taft was ineligible for assistance: she had resources in excess of $2,000 — a bank account of $4,295.69 — and, according to the department, she must “spend down” before…