The Sidebar: Supreme Court of the United States

The case Advocate Christ Medical Center v. Becerra. The case concerns the interpretation of the phrase "entitled to benefits" within the Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) adjustment formula, specifically regarding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The petitioners argue that "entitled to benefits" should refer to program eligibility, not just monthly cash payments, while the respondent contends that it refers only to those receiving a monthly cash payment. The justices extensively questioned both sides regarding the nature of SSI benefits and the implications for hospital reimbursements. The core dispute hinges on whether SSI functions as a broader income-assurance program or solely a monthly cash-payment system.