pharmaceutical research manufacturers america walsh acting commissioner maine department human services et argued january decided may state participating medicaid must medical assistance plan approved secretary health human services hhs response increasing medicaid expenditures prescription drugs congress enacted measure requires drug companies pay rebates medicaid purchases since enacted supplemental rebate programs achieve additional cost savings medicaid purchases purchases needy citizens purpose maine rx program reduce prescription drug prices state residents program maine attempt negotiate rebates drug manufacturers company enter rebate agreement medicaid sales subjected prior authorization procedure requires state agency approval qualify doctor prescription reimbursement petitioner association nonresident drug manufacturers challenged program commencement date claiming medicaid act violates negative commerce clause without resolving factual issues district entered preliminary injunction preventing statute implementation concluding inter alia obstacle matter modest federal program administration sufficient establish first circuit reversed held judgment affirmed affirmed justice stevens delivered opinion respect parts ii iii vi concluding petitioner carried burden showing probability success merits commerce clause claims arguments rebate requirement constitutes impermissible extraterritorial regulation discriminates interstate commerce order subsidize retail sales unpersuasive unlike price control statute invalidated baldwin seelig price affirmation statute struck healy beer institute maine rx regulate price transaction express terms inevitable effect maine rx impose disparate burden competitors manufacturer avoid rebate obligation opening production facilities maine receive benefit rebates even payments local pharmacists provide special benefit competitors manufacturers west lynn creamery healy distinguished pp justice stevens joined justice souter justice ginsburg justice breyer concluded parts iv vii answer question whether petitioner showing sufficient support district injunction determine validity maine rx program since proceedings may lead another result moreover secretary may view maine rx amendment medicaid plan requires approval becoming effective case comes question whether probability maine program federal statute mere existence therefore presumption state statute valid question asked whether petitioner shouldered burden overcoming presumption pp stage litigation petitioner carried burden showing probability success merits claims justice stevens joined justice souter justice ginsburg concluded part petitioner showing insufficient support finding medicaid act maine rx program insofar threatens coerce manufacturers reducing prices sales petitioner claims potential interference medicaid benefits without serving medicaid purpose prohibited federal statute however petitioner must show maine rx serves goal fact maine rx may serve purposes providing benefits needy persons curtailing state medicaid costs purposes provide sufficient basis upholding program severely curtailed medicaid recipients prescription drug access district erred assuming even modest impediment access invalidate program medicaid act gives substantial discretion choose proper mix amount scope duration limitations coverage long care services provided recipients best interests alexander choate state decision curtail medicaid benefits may motivated state policy unrelated medicaid act limit scope broad discretion define benefits package finance see beal doe presumption federal state statute designed foster public health special force appears secretary decided contrary two governments pursuing common purposes stage proceeding severity impediment maine program may impose medicaid patient access drug choice matter conjecture thus first circuit correctly resolved issue pp justice breyer concluded petitioner obtain preliminary injunction simply showing minimal quite modest harm even though maine offered evidence countervailing benefit proper determination question demand careful balancing harms benefits district undertook thus technical misstatement proper legal standard overlooked vacating injunction also help ensure district takes account secretary views proceedings important since hhs administers medicaid better able assemble relevant facts make relevant predictions since law grants significant weight secretary legal conclusions whether maine program consistent medicaid objectives medicaid act maine may obtain views files plan hhs approval addition may refer question secretary legal doctrine primary jurisdiction seeks produce better informed uniform legal rulings allowing courts take advantage agency specialized knowledge expertise central position within regulatory regime certain conditions satisfied see far east conference may raise doctrine motion may stay proceedings allow party initiate agency review even maine chooses obtain secretary views desirability district views consider relevant public interest determination often factors whether preliminary injunction issue pp justice scalia concluded petitioner statutory claim rejected ground remedy state failure comply medicaid act obligations set forth act termination funding secretary petitioner must seek enforcement medicaid conditions authority may obtain relief courts denial enforcement arbitrary capricious abuse discretion otherwise unlawful pp justice thomas concluded maine rx medicaid act premise petitioner claim maine rx obstacle accomplishment execution full purposes objectives congress hines davidowitz medicaid act represents delicate balance competing interests care cost grants broad discretion impose prior authorization proper consideration secretary role administering act forecloses petitioner claim act provides complete list restrictions participating may place prescription drug coverage stricture prior authorization program compliance certain procedures purpose effect grant participating authority subject drugs prior authorization subject express limitations light broad grant discretion impose prior authorization petitioner produce credible conflict maine rx medicaid act given secretary authority administer interpret medicaid act petitioner prevail view medicaid act maine rx renders void supremacy clause showing medicaid act unambiguous congress directly addressed issue see chevron natural resources defense council however act text read way indeed secretary adopted interpretation act preclude negotiating prices drug purchases obstacle premise congress expressly displaced state law therefore directly spoken question therefore agency charged administering federal statute secretary chevron imposes barrier obstacle claim pp stevens announced judgment delivered opinion respect parts ii iii vi rehnquist kennedy souter ginsburg breyer joined opinion respect parts iv vii souter ginsburg breyer joined opinion respect part souter ginsburg joined breyer filed opinion concurring part concurring judgment scalia thomas filed opinions concurring judgment filed opinion concurring part dissenting part rehnquist kennedy joined pharmaceutical research america petitioner peter walsh acting commissioner maine department human services et al writ certiorari appeals first circuit may justice stevens announced judgment delivered opinion respect parts ii iii vi opinion respect parts iv vii justice souter justice ginsburg justice breyer join opinion respect part justice souter justice ginsburg join response increasing medicaid expenditures prescription congress enacted measure requires drug companies pay rebates medicaid purchases last several years state legislatures enacted supplemental rebate programs achieve additional cost savings medicaid purchases well purchases made needy citizens maine rx program enacted primarily intended provide discounted prescription drugs maine uninsured citizens coverage open residents state program maine attempt negotiate rebates drug manufacturers fund reduced price drugs offered maine rx participants drug company enter rebate agreement medicaid sales subjected prior authorization procedure case association nonresident drug manufacturers challenged constitutionality maine rx program claiming program federal medicaid statute violates negative commerce clause association alleged program denies medicaid patients meaningful access prescription drugs excluded drugs access market maine instead contends program imposes significant burden medicaid recipients requiring prior authorization certain circumstances without serving valid medicaid purpose program effectively regulates commerce district sustained challenges entered preliminary injunction preventing implementation statute appeals reversed granted certiorari questions presented national importance congress created medicaid program adding title xix social security program authorizes federal financial assistance choose reimburse certain costs medical treatment needy persons order participate medicaid program state must plan medical assistance approved secretary health human services secretary state plan defines categories individuals eligible benefits specific kinds medical services covered plan must provide coverage categorically needy state option may also cover medically needy prior medicaid statute specifically address outpatient prescription drug coverage secretary regulations guidelines set upper limits state aggregate expenditures drugs plans approved secretary designed administered formularies listing drugs cover also employed prior authorization programs required approval state agency qualify doctor prescription reimbursement see dodson parham supp nd georgia historically administered prescription drug program basis drug words restricted list drugs medicaid reimburse provider pharmacists thus drug specifically included list reimbursed unless prior approval granted administrator georgia medicaid program cowan myers cal app cal rptr describing california law providing certain drugs covered california medicaid program prior authorization programs specifically governed federal law regulations rather made part state medicaid plans approved secretary aided controlling medicaid congress effectively ratified secretary practice approving state plans containing prior authorization requirements created rebate program amendment contained omnibus budget reconciliation act obra new program two basic parts first imposed general requirement order qualify medicaid payments drug companies must enter agreements either secretary authorized secretary individual provide rebates medicaid sales outpatient prescription rebate single source drug innovator multiple source drug difference manufacturer average price best price average manufacturer price whichever greater rebate drugs average manufacturer price see second drug manufacturer enters rebate agreement law requires state provide coverage drug plan unless state complies one exclusion restriction provisions medicaid act see example state may exclude coverage drugs gents used cosmetic purposes hair growth relevant case congress allowed condition coverage payment covered outpatient drug require approval drug dispensed thus obra except narrow category new state may subject prior authorization covered outpatient drug long state prior authorization program provides response telephone telecommunication device within hours request prior authorization except listed excludable drugs provides dispensing least supply covered drug emergency situation see omnibus budget reconciliation act congress amended act allow use formularies subject strict limitations amendment expressly stated prior authorization program complies conditions subject limitations imposed amendment reenacted provisions state prior authorization programs included obra omitting however narrow exception new drugs ii maine legislature established maine rx program reduce prescription drug prices residents state rev stat tit west supp statute provides state shall act pharmacy benefit manager order make prescription drugs affordable qualified maine residents thereby increasing overall health maine residents promoting healthy communities protecting public health welfare program intended enable individuals buy drugs retail pharmacies discount roughly equal rebate medicaid purchases see statute provides manufacturer labeler selling drugs maine publicly supported financial assistance program shall enter rebate agreement state commissioner human services commissioner commissioner directed use best efforts obtain rebate least equal rebate calculated federal program created pursuant obra see rebates paid fund administered commissioner distributed participating pharmacies compensate selling discounted prices manufacturers enter rebate agreements two consequences first nonparticipation information department human services must release health care providers public second importantly purposes department shall impose prior authorization requirements medicaid program title permitted law dispensing prescription drugs provided nonparticipating manufacturers labelers ibid statute authorizes department adopt implementing rules rules proposed limit access program individuals comparable superior prescription drug benefit plan proposed rules also explain maine intends appoint drug utilization review committee composed physicians pharmacists evaluate drug manufactured company declined enter rebate agreement decide whether clinically appropriate subject drug prior state represents certainly subject drug fulfills unique therapeutic function prior authorization process even manufacturer enter rebate determination whether particular drug subjected prior authorization requirement based firmly upon considerations medical necessity compliance state responsibilities administrator maine medicaid program iii several months january intended commencement date maine rx program commissioner kevin concannon sent form letter drug manufacturers enclosing proposed rebate although individual manufacturers elected participate executing proposed agreement petitioner pharmaceutical research manufacturers america association representing manufacturers account percent brand name drug sales responded bringing action challenging validity statute complaint accompanied motion preliminary injunction supported seven affidavits four affidavits describe nature association companies methods distribution emphasizing fact exception sales two resident distributors prescription drug sales occur outside three comment operation prior authorization programs administered private managed care organizations describing actual potential adverse impact manufacturers patients thus one executive stated imposition prior authorization pa requirement respect particular drug severely curtails access drug covered patients sharply reduces drug market share sales pa causes shift patients competing drugs manufacturers subject pa imposes additional procedural burdens physicians prescribing manufacturer drug retail pharmacies dispensing effect pa diminish manufacturer goodwill helped foster demand drug competing drugs produced manufacturers shift physician patient loyalty competing drugs perhaps permanently another affidavit described prior authorization managed care organization nevada sharply reduced market share four smithkline drugs example market share augmentin drug used treat bacterial infections declined six months program third affidavit howell smithkline beecham corporation expressed opinion prior authorization never required one program purpose influencing manufacturer pricing behavior another program use without regard safety efficacy lead drugs prescribed less safe efficacious respondents opposition motion supported concannon affidavit affidavits two doctors dispute factual assertions concerning impact prior authorization drug companies market shares instead comment benefits prior authorization patients state medicaid medical director clifford explained hysicians maine already well acquainted extensive prior authorization programs four programs collectively cover nearly half state residents state taken steps ensure physicians always able prescribe safest efficacious drugs medicaid patients second doctor richardson stated prescribed augmentin second line drug drug amoxicillin effective treating ear infections time augmentin times expensive concannon affidavit described composition committee physicians pharmacists make final determination clinical appropriateness recommendation prior authorization requirement imposed respect particular prescription drug manufactured manufacturer entered maine rx rebate agreement without resolving factual issues district granted petitioner motion preliminary injunction relying healy beer institute first held maine power regulate prices paid drug manufacturers transactions occur state recognizing sales made two distributors maine held medicaid act maine rx program insofar threatened impose prior authorization requirement nonparticipating manufacturers holding assumed purpose decision human services deny single medicaid recipient access safest efficacious prescription drug therapy indicated individual medical circumstances view nevertheless required maine point medicaid purpose new prior authorization requirement maine added medicaid prescription drugs maine passed law might conflict objectives federal law actually taken federal medicaid program altered serve maine local purposes district view fact alteration served purposes outside scope medicaid program created obstacle administration federal program sufficient establish matter modest obstacle new prior authorization amounts parties disagree severity obstacle obstacle drugs list must approved state medicaid medical director dispensed appeals disagreed district analysis issue three reasons first since federal statute expressly authorizes use prior authorization found conflict maine act medicaid structure purpose view long compliance federal conditions state motivation imposing requirement irrelevant second given absence actual conflict found mere fact maine rx fails directly advance purpose federal program insufficient basis inflicting medicine preemption state statute third stated assuming relevance state motivation maine rx program furthers medicaid aim providing medical services whose resources insufficient meet costs necessary medical services even individuals covered maine rx program poor enough qualify medicaid ibid moreover held evidence making prescription drugs accessible uninsured may keep medicaid thereby minimizing state medicaid expenditures appeals also reviewed affidavits concluded fall short establishing act inflict inevitable even probable harm medicaid patients thus insufficient support facial challenge however express concern prior authorization requirement might affect quality medical care medicaid recipients subtle ways inconveniencing prescribing physicians therefore expressly preserved petitioner right renew challenge implementation program evidence medicaid recipients harmed prior authorization requirement applied ibid also found violation dormant commerce clause vacated temporary injunction stayed mandate pending review case iv question us whether district abused discretion entered preliminary injunction see doran salem inn means answer question finally determine validity maine rx program district conduct evidentiary hearing resolve factual disputes raised affidavits filed parties accordingly matter answer question whether petitioner showing sufficient support injunction proceedings case may lead contrary result moreover also possibility secretary may view maine rx program amendment medicaid plan requires approval becomes petition certiorari pending filed brief recommending deny review part proceedings may clarify issues brief cautioned adoption rule prohibiting prior authorization programs whenever operate part benefit population suggested program tailored benefit needy persons might advance brief however well federal government brief filed granted review expressed opinion maine program adopted without secretary approval open maine residents regardless financial need tailored achieve goals therefore invalid like interlocutory judicial rulings case assume complete understanding relevant facts might lead modification views expressed briefs events must confront issues without benefit either complete record dispositive ruling secretary issue confront course quite different question presented secretary hearing held maine rx program impermissible amendment medicaid plan event secretary ruling presumptively valid case comes us however question whether probability maine program mere existence federal statute start therefore presumption state statute valid see davies warehouse bowles ask whether petitioner shouldered burden overcoming presumption centerpiece petitioner attack maine rx program allegedly unique use threat impose prior authorization requirement medicaid sales coerce manufacturers reducing prices sales recipients petitioner argues district held potential interference delivery medicaid benefits without benefit federal program prohibited federal statute accepting argument district relied heavily fact maine failed identify medicaid purpose new authorization requirement appears maine argued district purpose unnecessary federal statute expressly authorizes done petitioner argues abuse discretion district decide case assumption program serve medicaid purpose even assumption erroneous given state insisting purpose necessary offered medicaid purpose opposition motion temporary injunction extent petitioner relying waiver theory reliance inappropriate state never represented medicaid purpose served program simply argued need offer one regardless legal position taken state petitioner bore burden establishing clear showing probability success merits see mazurek armstrong per curiam cf benten kessler per curiam requiring movant demonstrate substantial likelihood success merits accordingly petitioner burden show goal purpose served maine rx given burden program face clearly serves goals follow district evaluation rested erroneous predicate persuaded three goals plainly present maine rx program appeals identified two interests served program successful rebates become available sales uninsured individuals first program provide medical benefits persons described medically needy even qualify afdc ssi benefits factual dispute concerning extent program also benefit nonneedy persons even program inclusive secretary thinks potential benefits nonneedy persons nullify benefits provided neediest segment uninsured second possibility enabling borderline aged infirm persons better access prescription drugs earlier medicaid expenses reduced members borderline group able purchase necessary prescription medicine conditions may worsen causing financial hardship thus making likely end medicaid program require expensive treatment third rather obvious medicaid purpose fostered whenever necessary impose prior authorization requirement manufacturer refuses participate record demonstrates private managed care organizations typically require prior authorization protect patients inappropriate prescriptions encourage use medications without diminishing safety efficacy doubt congress expressly preserved ability adopt practice passed medicaid amendments fact prior authorization actually produce substantial cost savings organizations purchasing large volumes drugs apparent affidavits record describing impact programs manufacturers market shares results program adopted florida see pharmaceutical research manufacturers america meadows avoiding unnecessary costs administration state medicaid program obviously serves interests federal government pay cost providing prescription drugs medicaid patients fact maine rx program may serve purposes providing benefits needy persons curtailing state medicaid costs provide sufficient basis upholding program severely curtailed medicaid recipients access prescription drugs cf state medicaid plan must assure care services provided manner consistent best interests recipients however incorrect district assume impediment matter modest patient ability obtain drug choice state expense invalidate maine rx program civ app pet cert made clear medicaid act gives substantial discretion choose proper mix amount scope duration limitations coverage long care services provided best interest recipients alexander choate case rejected challenge brought class handicapped persons tennessee measure reduced number annual days inpatient hospital care medicaid patients emphasizing change deny beneficiaries meaningful access medical services district finding limitation fully serve handicapped individuals eligible medicaid satisfied statutory standard case district made comparable finding assumed maine fully comply federal requirements deny single medicaid recipient access safest efficacious prescription drug therapy indicated individual medical circumstances district assumption gave appropriate credence affidavits filed behalf state reasoning alexander reflects compliance statutory standard fact state decision curtail medicaid benefits may motivated state policy unrelated medicaid act limit scope broad discretion define package benefits finance beal doe despite accepting plaintiffs submission nontherapeutic abortions less dangerous less expensive childbirth held pennsylvania interest encouraging normal childbirth provided adequate justification decision exclude abortion procedure medicaid program maine interest protecting health uninsured residents also provides plainly permissible justification prior authorization requirement assumed minimal impact medicaid recipients access prescription drugs medicaid act contains categorical prohibition reliance state interests unrelated medicaid program state fashioning particular contours program retains considerable latitude characterizes optional participation jointly financed benefit presumption federal state statute designed foster public health hillsborough county automated medical laboratories special force appears secretary decided contrary two governments pursuing common purposes new york state dept social servs dublino dublino rejected challenge state statute imposed employment requirements conditions continued eligibility afdc benefits went beyond federal requirements commenting new york interest encouraging employment citizens wrote extent work rules embody new york attempt promote civic responsibility assure limited state welfare funds spent behalf genuinely incapacitated need cope fiscal hardships enveloping many state local governments lightly interfere problems confronting society areas severe state governments cooperation federal government must allowed considerable latitude attempting resolution mere fact new york program imposed nonfederal obstacle continued eligibility benefits provide sufficient basis left open questions concerning possible conflicts federal program resolution proceedings similarly case mere fact prior authorization may impose modest impediment access prescription drugs provided government expense provide sufficient basis entire maine rx program stage proceeding severity impediment maine program may impose medicaid patient access drug choice matter conjecture extent drug manufacturers agree participate program impediment extent manufacturers refuse drug utilization review committee determine whether clinically appropriate subject drugs prior authorization committee determines prior authorization required requirement may result delivery less expensive drug physician first prescribed present record conclude significant number patients medical needs indeed patient medical needs adversely affected record demonstrate prior authorization may well significant adverse impact manufacturers brand name prescription drugs impose administrative costs physicians impact manufacturers relevant transfer business less expensive products produce savings medicaid program impact doctors may significant produces administrative burden affects quality treatment patients effect proved moreover given doctors familiarity extensive use prior authorization private sector effect seems unlikely therefore agree appeals resolution issue based record us reiterate question whether secretary approval must sought maine rx program may go effect us along lines offer view whether appropriate secretary disapprove program maine asked secretary review also offer view whether proper secretary disallow funding maine medicaid program maine fails seek approval secretary maine rx program based cms letter september appears secretary likely take action respect program secretary however predict preliminary stage ultimate fate maine rx program limit holding accordingly vi whereas petitioner challenge focused effects prior authorization requirement follow manufacturer refusal participate rx program commerce clause challenge focuses effects rebate agreements follow manufacturer compliance program understand challenge alleged harm interstate commerce regardless whether manufacturer compliance completely voluntary product coercion petitioner argues first rebate requirement constitutes impermissible extraterritorial regulation second discriminates interstate commerce order subsidize retail sales neither argument persuasive writing baldwin seelig justice cardozo made classic observation new york power project legislation vermont regulating price paid state milk acquired proposition provided basis majority conclusion healy beer institute massachusetts price affirmation statute impermissible effect regulating price beer sold neighboring petitioner argues reasoning cases applies characterizes maine regulation terms transactions occur elsewhere appeals correctly stated unlike price control price affirmation statutes maine act regulate price transaction either express terms inevitable effect maine insist manufacturers sell drugs wholesaler certain price similarly maine tying price products prices omitted rule applied baldwin healy accordingly applicable case west lynn creamery healy reviewed constitutionality massachusetts pricing order imposed assessment fluid milk sold dealers massachusetts retailers distributed proceeds massachusetts dairy farmers assessed milk produced farmers entire fund used benefit farmers order effectively imposed tax producers subsidize production competitors concluded program invalid discriminatory effect analogous protective tariff taxes goods imported neighboring tax similar products produced locally petitioner argues maine rx fund similar created entirely rebates paid manufacturers used subsidize sales local pharmacists local consumers unlike situation west lynn however maine rx program impose disparate burden competitors manufacturer avoid rebate obligation opening production facilities maine receive benefit rebates even payments local pharmacists provide special benefit competitors manufacturers rule applied west lynn thus applicable case vii stage litigation petitioner carried burden showing probability success merits claims petitioner argued appeals incorrect holding factors risk irreparable harm balance equities public interest alter analysis injunction request judgment appeals affirmed ordered pharmaceutical research america petitioner peter walsh acting commissioner maine department human services et al writ certiorari appeals first circuit may justice breyer concurring part concurring judgment join parts part vi opinion parts iv vii plurality opinion also agree part conclusion district entry preliminary injunction rested upon determination federal medicaid law maine rx program long maine prior authorization program posed obstacle matter modest realizing federal medicaid goals ante majority opinion emphasis added like plurality believe italicized phrase understates strength showing law required petitioner make ante prevail petitioner ultimately must demonstrate maine program seriously compromise important federal interests arkansas elec cooperative arkansas pub serv cf rosado wyman petitioner consequently obtain preliminary injunction simply showing minimal quite modest harm even though maine offered evidence countervailing benefit post concurring part dissenting part relevant statutory language expressly permits prior authorization programs congress may well believed programs general help medicaid generating savings see ante majority opinion congress intended forbid prior authorization programs virtually per se showing slight harm even specific benefit apparent particular case recognize petitioner presented evidence district justified stronger conclusion app cf brief legal services organizations representing medicaid beneficiaries amici curiae yet district preliminary injunction nonetheless rests upon premises subsequent developments made clear unrealistic one thing despite maine initial failure argue matter maine program may certain objectives least degree ante plurality opinion another secretary health human services whose views highly relevant question us infra indicated state programs somewhat similar maine may prove sistent medicaid objectives secretary approved least one program ante plurality opinion letter theodore olson solicitor general william suter clerk result apparent proper determination question demand careful balancing harms benefits district undertook cf california ferc finding state law disturb conflict balance embodied considered federal agency determination considerations along general importance question convince overlook district technical misstatement proper legal standard therefore affirm appeals judgment vacating injunction vacating injunction shall also help ensure district takes account secretary views proceedings may involve renewed motion preliminary injunction important district department health human services hhs administers medicaid program institutionally speaking agency better able assemble relevant facts regarding harm caused present medicaid patients make relevant predictions regarding furtherance goals law grants significant weight legal conclusion secretary whether program maine consistent medicaid objectives see chevron natural resources defense council skidmore swift cf post thomas concurring judgment medicaid statute sets forth method maine may obtain views participating state must file medicaid plan hhs obtain hhs approval state must also promptly file plan amendment reflect aterial changes state law organization policy state operation medicaid program cfr secretary said statute like maine significant component state plan respect maine expected file amendment app brief amicus curiae addition legal doctrine primary jurisdiction permits refer question secretary doctrine seeks produce better informed uniform legal rulings allowing courts take advantage agency specialized knowledge expertise central position within regulatory regime western pacific fixed formula exists doctrine application rather question instance whether case raises issues fact within conventional experience judges within purview agency responsibilities whether limited functions review judiciary rationally exercised preliminary resort agency better equipped courts resolve issue first instance word whether preliminary reference issues agency promote proper working relationship agency primary jurisdiction doctrine seeks facilitate far east conference see also western pacific supra cf pierce administrative law relatively frequent application doctrine cases conditions satisfied little doubt satisfied courts may raise doctrine motion williams pipe line empire gas see also stein mitchell mezines administrative law pp federal procedure lawyers edition may stay proceedings limited time appropriate allow party initiate agency review western pacific supra see also wagner brown anr pipeline stay limited duration lower courts sometimes accompanied stay injunction designed preserve status quo wheelabrator chafee cadc view even maine choose obtain secretary views desirability district views consider supra relevant public interest determination often factors whether preliminary injunction issue see macdonald chicago park district wright miller kane federal practice procedure pp cf rosado reasons concur judgment major part plurality opinion pharmaceutical research america petitioner peter walsh acting commissioner maine department human services et al writ certiorari appeals first circuit may justice scalia concurring judgment reject petitioner claim maine statute challenge neither facially discriminatory interstate commerce explains ante similar state action hitherto found invalid grounds explained elsewhere negative commerce clause foundation text constitution lending judicial application except invalidation facially discriminatory action extended beyond action nondiscriminatory action precise sort hitherto invalidated see west lynn creamery healy concurring judgment reject petitioner statutory claim ground remedy state failure comply obligations agreed undertake medicaid act see blessing freestone scalia concurring pennhurst state school hospital halderman set forth act termination funding secretary department health human services see petitioner must seek enforcement medicaid conditions authority may seek obtain relief courts denial enforcement arbitrary capricious abuse discretion otherwise accordance law pharmaceutical research america petitioner peter walsh acting commissioner maine department human services et al writ certiorari appeals first circuit may justice thomas concurring judgment agree plurality petitioner entitled preliminary injunction enforcement maine rx program write separately believe proceedings case may lead contrary result ante agree plurality reasoning clear text medicaid act constitution petitioner negative commerce clause claims without merit therefore concur judgment premise petitioner claim maine rx stands obstacle accomplishment execution full purposes objectives congress hines davidowitz plurality agrees succeed petitioner must demonstrate goal purpose served maine rx ante justice stevens justice treat medicaid act embodying abstract highly generalized purpose inconsistent act depth text complex statute belies efforts distill single purpose medicaid act represents delicate balance congress struck competing interests care cost mandates flexibility oversight discretion petitioner principally relies requires secretary department health human services ensure state plans provide safeguards may necessary assure care services provided manner consistent best interests recipients medicaid act also pursues arguably competing interests cost control see affording broad discretion control access prescription drugs see pharmaceutical research mfrs america thompson wl mar hereinafter pharmaceutical research noting prior authorization may tension medicaid recipients plurality conclusion imposes silent prohibition prior authorization programs severely curtai medicaid recipients access prescription drugs ante ignores complexity view medicaid act grants broad discretion impose prior authorization proper consideration secretary department health human services role administering medicaid act forecloses petitioner claim begin analysis relevant provisions medicaid act title provides complete list restrictions participating may place prescription drug coverage medicaid importantly says state may subject prior authorization covered outpatient drug stricture placed prior authorization program compliance certain enumerated procedures undoubtedly purpose effect grant participating authority subject drugs prior authorization subject express limitations reading medicaid act prior authorization provisions confirmed section allows exclude restrict coverage beyond prior authorization covered outpatient drug prescribed use medically accepted indication drug use list specified list includes example prescriptions anorexia weight gain cosmetic purposes hair growth well barbiturates furthermore state may impose limitations respect drugs therapeutic class minimum maximum quantities per prescription limitations necessary discourage waste state ability restrict drug coverage beyond prior authorization stands stark contrast broad authority granted impose prior authorization indeed provisions confirm congress meant impose limitations state authority area explicitly authority entirely exclude coverage certain drugs uses illustrates futility discerning one purpose medicaid act plurality reasons medicaid beneficiaries require access prescription drugs severely curtailed empowers plurality believes precisely opposed best interests medicaid beneficiaries illustration compromises embodied medicaid act demonstrates impossibility defining purposes complex statutes high level abstraction concomitant danger invoking obstacle based arbitrary selection one purpose exclusion others light broad grant discretion impose prior authorization petitioner produce credible conflict maine rx medicaid act plurality dissent fail explain state purpose may many enacting prior authorization program makes difference determining whether program best interests medicaid beneficiaries mere existence prior authorization procedure contemplated severely curtai access prescription drugs plurality touchstone conflict ante otherwise plurality rendered interpretation medicaid act leaves internal conflict dissent reasons prior authorization programs must safeguar unnecessary utilization post concurring part dissenting part internal quotation marks omitted prescription drugs control costs also never explains motivation imposing prior authorization affects whether furthers dissent points nothing record suggests maine rx limit unnecessary use covered drugs control costs associated prescription drug expenditures medicaid rather dissent merely asserts maine rx conditions prior authorization nonparticipation rebate program follows ipse dixit maine rx objectives post concurring part dissenting part obstacle turns whether goals federal statute frustrated effect state law dissent focus subjective intent state legislature enacting law targeted asks irrelevant question plurality dissent also fail consider necessary implications secretary role approving state medicaid plans otherwise administering act secretary delegated type authority must approve state plans comply given authority withhold funds deems state noncompliant acknowledging possibility secretary may view maine rx program amendment medicaid plan requires approval becomes effective ante potentially withhold approval plurality discuss logical consequences petitioner view maine rx medicaid act according petitioner secretary forbidden medicaid act approving maine rx act maine rx renders void supremacy clause secretary approved maine rx interpretation necessarily petitioner correct rejected reviewing first step inquiry chevron natural resources defense council asks whether statute see smiley citibank south dakota petitioner must therefore show medicaid act unambiguous words congress directly spoken precise question issue chevron supra however given foregoing discussion text medicaid act read unambiguously prohibit maine rx indicate congress enacting directly addressed issue indeed department health human services already adopted interpretation medicaid act preclude negotiating prices including manufacturer discounts rebates drug purchases letter smith dir center medicaid state operations centers medicare medical services state medicaid dirs app brief amicus curiae obstacle premise congress expressly displaced state law thus directly spoken question therefore agency charged administering federal statute secretary chevron imposes barrier claim obstacle note interpretation medicaid act offer unlike petitioner require secretary reach particular decision respect maine rx secretary expressly charged determining whether state plans comply numerous requirements amongst discussed earlier requirement plan serve best interests medicaid recipients maintain federal courts use obstacle determine whether maine rx serves interests secretary must examine entire state plan maine rx isolation moreover secretary mandate congress conduct greater expertise resources courts inquiry whether maine rx upsets balance contemplated medicaid act congress delegation agency perform complex balancing task precludes federal intervention basis obstacle bar secretary performing duty adjudge whether maine rx upsets balance medicaid act contemplates withhold approval funding necessary petitioner respondents disagree secretary decision may seek judicial review petitioner already done plans similar maine rx secretary approved see pharmaceutical research wl mar maine rx medicaid act conclusion easily reached without speculation whether maine rx advances goals much disagreement plurality dissent case aptly illustrates freewheeling judicial inquiry whether state statute tension federal objectives undercut principle congress rather courts state law gade national solid wastes management kennedy concurring part concurring judgment make one final observation respect petitioner claim stated spending clause legislation much nature contract pennhurst state school hospital halderman contract analogy raises serious questions whether third parties may sue enforce spending clause legislation otherwise see blessing freestone scalia concurring contract law third party contract petitioner may sue breach intended beneficiary contract see restatement second contracts promise contract creates duty promisor intended beneficiary perform promise intended beneficiary may enforce duty congress wishes allow private parties sue enforce federal law must clearly express intent precedents private parties may employ implied private right action demonstrate unambiguously conferred right gonzaga univ doe petitioner quite obviously satisfy requirement therefore arguably entitled bring lawsuit beneficiary medicaid contract respondents advanced argument case however issue raised give careful consideration whether spending clause legislation enforced third parties absence private right action ii petitioner commerce clause challenge easily met negative commerce clause basis text constitution makes little sense proved virtually unworkable application camps town harrison thomas dissenting therefore agree petitioner prevail claim pharmaceutical research america petitioner peter walsh acting commissioner maine department human services et al writ certiorari appeals first circuit may justice chief justice justice kennedy join concurring part dissenting part join parts vi opinion agree plurality conclusion may impose medicaid beneficiaries burdens prior authorization absence countervailing medicaid purpose ante part plurality agree district abused discretion enjoining respondents imposing prior authorization maine rx program district respondents point ed medicaid purpose served maine rx requirement app pet cert emphasis original surprising program open maine residents rich poor purport purpose tailored effect imposing prior authorization maine medicaid population achieve wholly related goals maine rx stands obstacle accomplishment execution full purposes objectives federal medicaid act hines davidowitz uphold district injunction basis therefore respectfully dissent parts iv vii plurality opinion ultimate task analyzing claim determine whether state regulation consistent structure purpose federal statutory scheme whole gade national solid wastes management plurality opinion look provisions whole law object policy ibid quoting pilot life ins dedeaux touchstone congress intent gade national solid wastes management supra nature power exerted congress object sought attained character obligations imposed law important considering question whether federal enactments preclude enforcement state laws subject hines davidowitz supra medicaid act drug manufacturer enters medicaid rebate agreement respect particular outpatient drug state elected offer prescription drug coverage must cover drug state plan unless complies one medicaid act provisions permits state exclude restrict coverage see ante prior authorization one restriction section provides state plan may require condition coverage payment covered outpatient drug approval drug dispensing medically accepted indication prior authorization definition procedural obstacle medicaid beneficiaries access medically necessary prescription drugs covered medicaid program nevertheless may serve medicaid purpose safeguard ing unnecessary utilization assur ing payments consistent efficiency economy quality care state accordingly may impose prior authorization reduce medicaid costs cf new york state dept social servs dublino coordinate state federal efforts exist within complementary administrative framework pursuit common purposes case federal becomes less persuasive one emphasis added state may however impose prior authorization generate revenue purposes wholly unrelated medicaid program medicaid act expressly bar using prior authorization accomplish goals unrelated medicaid program limit authority inherent purpose structure medicaid act district recognized contrary rule permit maine use prior authorization raise funds highway bridge construction school funding presumably purpose long secretary health human services took action prevent app pet cert purpose structure medicaid act make clear congress intend absurd result congress created medicaid program enabl state far practicable conditions state furnish medical assistance behalf families dependent children aged blind disabled individuals whose income resources insufficient meet costs necessary medical services consistent purpose congress imposed income resource limitations many groups eligible assistance act see iv vi vii requirement prior authorization used furthers medicaid purpose reinforced structure medicaid act congress afforded broad flexibility tailoring scope coverage medicaid programs see alexander choate act establishes number prerequisites approval state plan secretary two requirements particular relevance first state plan must contain safeguards ensure covered services provided manner consistent best interests medicaid recipients second state plan must safeguard unnecessary utilization services ensure payments consistent efficiency economy quality care provisions confirm congress intent state medicaid initiatives burden medicaid beneficiaries without serving medicaid goal stretching available resources greatest effect ii district correctly concluded maine rx program provision invalid burdens medicaid recipients advancing medicaid goals maine rx program state shall impose prior authorization requirements medicaid program nonparticipating drug manufacturer enter rebate agreement state drugs dispensed patients rev stat tit west supp rebate agreements designed reduce prescription drug prices residents state regardless financial medical need program thus serves state population threatening erect obstacle medicaid recipients ability receive covered outpatient drugs plurality concedes maine rx survive challenge purpose effect goal purpose ante based record district hold abuse discretion concluding petitioner demonstrated likelihood success claim petitioner alleged maine rx program serve medicaid purpose maine rx statute face bears program designed reduce prescription drug prices residents state accomplishes goal threatening impose prior authorization otherwise covered outpatient drugs rev stat tit west supp district maine attempt justify program basis served medicaid purpose instead maine took position required demonstrate purpose appellate reviewing preliminary injunction confined record district neither record district maine rx statute reveals medicaid purpose served maine rx program plurality speculates three interests served maine rx program successful ante first plurality asserts maine rx provide medical benefits persons described needy even qualify afdc ssi benefits ibid second plurality contends possibility enabling borderline aged infirm persons better access prescription drugs earlier medicaid expenses reduced ibid third plurality posits whenever necessary impose prior authorization requirement manufacturer refuses participate maine rx promote use medications thereby voi unnecessary costs administration state medicaid program ante asserting goals plainly present maine rx program plurality concludes district failure sua sponte recognize constituted erroneous predicate preliminary injunction ante disagree say abuse discretion district conclude petitioner met burden showing goal purpose served maine rx cf ante plurality justifications maine rx program burden medicaid beneficiaries rests factual predicates supported record even assuming predicate assumptions behind plurality first second justifications potential beneficiaries maine rx classified medically needy borderline aged infirm impossible discern based facts record whether medicaid program reap benefit discounts made available populations proposition discounts prescription drugs purchased might produce medicaid cost savings preventing maine residents becoming eligible medicaid party advocating attenuated causal chain facts record support district hardly said abused discretion divining medicaid purpose face maine rx statute plurality third rationale fails similar grounds assertion prior authorization maine rx program necessarily produce cost savings maine medicaid program unsupportable maine rx imposition prior authorization manner tied efficacy particular drug rather sole trigger prior authorization failure manufacturer labeler pay rebates benefit populations rev stat tit west supp thus entirely possible efficacious drugs subject requirement maine rx maine rx requirement event best serve purpose worst delay inhibit medicaid beneficiaries access necessary medication concluding district abused discretion plurality essentially rejects hand possibility plurality distorts limitations scope appellate review interlocutory stage proceedings see doran salem inn hile standard applied district deciding whether plaintiff entitled preliminary injunction stringent standard appellate review simply whether issuance injunction constituted abuse discretion district one hand concrete evidence burdens maine rx requirement impose medicaid beneficiaries hand district evidence argument suggesting maine rx achieve cost savings goal finding district circumstances abuse discretion preliminarily enjoining maine rx requirement reverse judgment appeals remand proceedings footnotes payments medicaid prescription drugs increased medicaid expenditures services increased prescription drug costs increased average annual rate percent component health care sector ford congressional research service report congress medicaid reimbursement outpatient prescription drugs mar hereinafter ford stat amended et seq center medicare medicaid services cms agency administering medicaid program behalf secretary categorically needy groups include individuals eligible cash benefits aid families dependent children afdc program aged blind disabled individuals qualify supplemental security income ssi benefits groups pregnant women children entitled coverage medically needy individuals meet nonfinancial eligibility requirements inclusion one groups covered medicaid whose income resources exceed financial eligibility requirements categorically needy eligibility individuals typically entitled medically needy protection income resources deducting incurred medical expenses falls sic medically needy standards house subcommittee health environment committee energy commerce medicaid source book background data analysis comm print ford routinely required prior authorization prescription dispensing drugs order control medicaid costs enacting drug rebate provisions section congress intend upset practice brief amicus curiae stat statute authorizes payment drugs covered rebate agreements state determines availability essential health beneficiaries given special rating federal food drug administration doctor obtained prior authorization use see state may exclude coverage subject prior authorization otherwise restrict new biological drug approved food drug administration date enactment section period months approval stat stat prior authorization program established state paragraph formulary subject requirements paragraph labeler person receives prescription drugs manufacturer wholesaler repackages later retail sale app statute authorizes coverage qualified maine residents rev stat tit west supp defines qualified resident one obtained department maine rx enrollment card describing program goals provides intention state discourage employers offering paying prescription drug benefits employees replace scription drug benefit plans provide benefits comparable made available qualified maine residents subchapter brief respondents state economically irrational person prescription drug coverage use maine rx patient mistakenly attempts proposed regulations allow brief respondents see app ibid see complaint affidavit george bilyk janssen pharmaceutica affidavit david moules smithkline beecham howell stated prior authorization often employed managed care organizations enforce drug formulary usually intended limit drugs prescribed health care professionals mcos typically require health care professionals obtain prior authorization mco prescribing drug ensure proper use prescription drugs high potential inappropriate use limit use prescription drugs severe life threatening side effects drug interactions encourage use medications without diminishing safety efficacy civ app pet cert ibid observed maine use authority medicaid authorization leverage drug manufacturer rebates benefit uninsured citizens easily put rebates state program highway bridge construction school funding ibid ibid note cms acting behalf secretary see supra sent letter september state medicaid directors letter cms director indicated establishment prior authorization program medicaid covered drugs secure drug benefits rebates discounts populations significant component state plan therefore expect state submit program cms review state plan process app brief amicus curiae brief opposition amicus curiae prescription drug discount made possible encouraging manufacturers give rebates state may significantly decrease chance individuals become note regard estimated almost nonelderly uninsured individuals come families making less federal poverty level see kaiser commission medicaid uninsured uninsured primer mar see supra current law option imposing prior authorization requirements respect covered prescription drugs order safeguard unnecessary utilization assure payments consistent efficiency economy quality care new florida law exempts certain drugs authorization requirement drug preferred list prescribing doctor must call state pharmacist obtain approval use course procedure pharmacist informs doctor availability drugs usually preferred drug list allegedly comparable therapeutic value less expensive actual phone calls tend relatively brief usually less minutes length approval prescribing doctor drug guaranteed percent cases provided make telephone call first three months program approximately percent calls resulted change prescription drug preferred drug list naturally procedure may tend promote less profitable drugs expense profitable ones favored pharmaceutical manufacturers brought lawsuit civ app pet cert internal quotation marks omitted question considerable latitude allocating afdc resources since state free set standard need determine level benefits amount funds devotes program king smith footnotes omitted see supra footnotes neither plurality dissent suggest limitation state authority restrictions enable make value rather cost care judgments whether drug covered see fertility drugs cosmetic purposes begs question example congress give greater authority decision whether cover prescription hair growth drug whether subject hair growth drug prior authorization requirements course basis text medicaid act discuss dissent reasoning reliance maine rx express purpose turns presumption head maine rx also stated purpose control prescription drug costs medicaid safe find odd application federal statutory supremacy clause turn whether state legislature recited deems proper rationale fact secretary power withhold funds breach medicaid act terms indicates act contemplates existence state plans comply requirements title provides secretary reasonable notice opportunity hearing state agency administering supervising administration state plan approved subchapter finds plan changed longer complies provisions section title administration plan failure comply substantially provision secretary shall notify state agency payments made state secretary satisfied longer failure comply medicaid act meaningfully interpreted invalidate state laws maine rx comply express terms much less state laws concludes pose obstacle act purpose state plans meet requirements defunded secretary void supremacy clause apparent plurality finds congressional directive state plans breach contract federal government state cf part infra view directive exists free deviate medicaid act requirements subject sanctions secretary federal statute ambiguous respect whether state law presumption ordinarily prevent concluding state law therefore conclusion maine rx require rejection secretary contrary construction statute chevron first step second asks whether agency construction reasonable interpretation upheld district district columbia pharmaceutical research mfrs america thompson wl mar petitioner arguments provide answer careful analysis offered