As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. "Department" means the department of health and human services.
2. "Medical assistance" means benefits paid under chapter 50-24.1 and title XIX of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.].
3. "Third party" means an individual, entity, or program that is or may be liable to pay all or part of the expenditures for medical assistance furnished under this chapter.