Rosie D. Ex Rel. John v. Swift

SELYA, Circuit Judge.

In recent years, the Supreme Court has redefined the calculus of federalism, tilting the scales more and more toward states’ rights. This appeal represents an attempt by the named defendants — a complement of Massachusetts officials, including the governor, two cabinet officers, and the Commissioner of the Division of Medical Assistance — to capitalize upon that trend. As we explain below, they seek to push the envelope too far.

We begin with basics. In this class action, the plaintiffs seek prospective in-junctive relief to vindicate their view that the federal Medicaid…