Notwithstanding any other provision of the general statutes, the Department of Public Health or the department’s contractor, in carrying out its powers and duties under section 19a-50, may, within available appropriations, purchase medically necessary and appropriate durable medical equipment and other department approved goods and services. Such goods and services shall be identical to goods and services that are covered under the Connecticut Medicaid and HUSKY Programs administered by the Department of Social Services and the payment for such goods and services shall not exceed the Connecticut Medicaid payment rate for the same goods and services.