(a) Effective on and after April 1, 2017, the Commissioner of Social Services shall revise the reimbursement methodology and professional dispensing fees for covered outpatient drugs under the Medicaid program to meet the requirements of federal regulations implementing changes to Section 1927 of the Social Security Act. Any such revision to the reimbursement methodology and professional dispensing fees for covered outpatient drugs under the Medicaid program shall conform with procedures established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to reflect actual acquisition costs and shall not adversely impact access to such outpatient drugs.

(b) The Department of Social Services shall pay for an original prescription that is otherwise eligible for payment and as many refills as ordered by a licensed authorized practitioner within twelve months, provided controlled substances as described in subsection (h) of § 21a-249 shall not be included in the provisions of this subsection. The department shall pay a professional dispensing fee pursuant to subsection (a) of this section for each approved refill.