26 soc.sec.rep.ser. 284, Medicare&medicaid Gu 37,957 Hoodkroft Convalescent Center, Inc. v. State of New Hampshire, Division of Human Services

BREYER, Circuit Judge.

I

Background,

The federal Medicaid program provides money for the states to pay for medical care for needy and disabled people. See Title XIX of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1396. A state receiving federal Medicaid funds must administer them according to a “state plan” that meets federal standards. 42 U.S.C. § 1396a. Under the plan, the state will reimburse nursing homes and other Medicaid facilities for the cost of caring for Medicaid-qualified patients. 42 U.S.C. § 1396a(a)(13). The federal Medicaid statute says that states must

provide for payment ... of ...…