? The state of Connecticut is one of several asking the U.S. Supreme Court to settle a dispute with the federal government over Medicare.

Connecticut and 15 other states say they should not have to fund the Medicare prescription drug program because it will cost them billions of dollars. Lawyers argue that it amounts to a direct tax on states and would threaten states? independence.

A spokesperson for the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid says while the program is costly for states in the beginning, they will save billions over time. The Supreme Court has not decided whether it will hear the case.