Seniors United for Action v. Ray

Plaintiffs brought this action seeking to enjoin the continued implementation of policy changes begun July 1, 1980 in the Medicaid program of the State of Iowa, which resulted from house file 2580, passed by the Iowa House of Representatives on April 18, 1980, by the Iowa Senate on April 24, 1980, and signed by the Governor on May 26, 1980. These policy changes provided, inter alia, for the elimination of payment for laxative drugs, the limitation of orthodontia and posterior dental bridgework to emergency situations, a limitation on the types of eyeglass frames provided, the limitation of the replacement of eyeglasses and dentures (with special allowances for emergency needs), the imposition of a co-payment for dental, optometric, optical, audiological, orthopedic, hearing aid and medical equipment services, and the imposition of a 50 cent co-payment on all prescription drugs. This Court affirmed the decision of the District Court,1 denying plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction finding that plaintiffs had failed to demonstrate irreparable harm or a balance of hardships tipping decidedly in their favor. Seniors United for Action v. Ray, 635 F.2d 746 (8th Cir. 1980). At the trial on the merits, the District Court held in favor of defendants.