Massachusetts Respiratory Hospital v. Department of Public Welfare

The plaintiff hospital, formerly Norfolk County Hospital, is a participating provider of services in the Commonwealth’s medical assistance program, commonly known as Medicaid. G. L. c. 118E (1990 ed.). The hospital and the defendant Department of Public Welfare (department) have entered into a provider agreement under which, subject to conditions, the department has agreed to pay the hospital, at rates approved by the Rate Setting Commission, for medically necessary services rendered to persons eligible for Medicaid benefits. In that agreement, the hospital has agreed “[to] comply with all…