Pennsylvania hospitals are suing the state to obtain hundreds of millions in unspent dollars they say should be devoted to a state fund that helps doctors pay for medical-malpractice insurance.

The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania says the state owes doctors and other health care providers anywhere from $446 million to $616 million in reimbursements for bills paid into the fund known as MCare.

The lawsuit was filed yesterday in Commonwealth Court.

The MCare subsidy lapsed earlier this year amid a stalemate between Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell and Republican lawmakers over expanding a state health insurance program for uninsured adults.

Mr. Rendell proposed using a $500 million MCare surplus to help finance the expansion.