ADHS had not asked to participate in the settlement negotiations, nor did it seek to reopen the judgment after the case had been dismissed. However, the agency subsequently asserted a claim or lien in the amount of $219,156.78 against the settlement proceeds. Ahlborn subsequently filed a declaratory action in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas against the agency and its officials, arguing that ADHS could only recover that portion of her settlement representing payment for past medical expenses.