Justice Breyer Rejects Maine Church’s Request for Relief from COVID Restrictions Not Currently in Place

Justice Breyer, acting alone, ruled against a Maine church objecting in an emergency petition to the state’s COVID-restrictions on churches. Justice Breyer issued no written decision explaining his reasons. But it is likely he ruled this way because since May 24, 2021, Maine has had no capacity restrictions on indoor gatherings at houses of worship.

Continue reading

SCOTUS to Decide if State Medicaid may Recover Future Medical Expense Settlements (to Pay for Past Costs)

In Gallardo v. Marstiller the U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether the federal Medicaid Act allows a state Medicaid program to recover reimbursement for Medicaid’s payment of a beneficiary’s past medical expenses by taking funds from the beneficiary’s tort recovery that compensate for future medical expenses.

Continue reading

SCOTUS to Decide Hospital Stay Medicare Reimbursement Case

The issue in Becerra v. Empire Health Foundation is whether for calculating the disproportionate share hospital payment, Health and Human Services (HHS) may include in the Medicare fraction all of the hospital’s patient days of individuals who qualify for Medicare Part A benefits, regardless of whether Medicare actually paid the hospital for those particular days.

Continue reading

Supreme Court to Decide whether Emotional Distress Damages are Available under Federal Antidiscrimination Statutes Applicable to States and Local Governments

In Cummings v. Premier Rehab Keller the Supreme Court will decide whether people who are discriminated against in violation of five federal statutes may sue for emotional distress damages.

Continue reading