(a) The Department of Public Health may, within available resources, administer the Connecticut AIDS drug assistance program and Connecticut Insurance Premium Assistance Program. The department may implement policies and procedures necessary to administer the provisions of this section while in the process of adopting such policies and procedures as regulations, provided the department posts such policies and procedures on the eRegulations System prior to adopting them. Policies and procedures implemented pursuant to this section shall be valid until regulations are adopted in accordance with chapter 54.

(b) All rebates and refunds from the Connecticut AIDS drug assistance program and Connecticut Insurance Premium Assistance Program shall be paid to the Department of Public Health.

(c) Applicants for and recipients of benefits under the provisions of this section shall enroll in or demonstrate ineligibility for Medicare Part D.

(d) The Commissioner of Public Health may pay the premium and coinsurance costs of Medicare Part D coverage for eligible applicants or recipients.