If the department finds that the cost of medical assistance for all persons eligible under AS 47.25.120 — 47.25.300 will exceed the amount allocated in the state budget for that assistance for the fiscal year, the department shall eliminate coverage for medical services in the following order:

1. (1) treatment of speech, hearing, and language disorders;
2. (2) optometrists' services and eyeglasses;
3. (3) occupational therapy;
4. (4) emergency dental services for adults;
5. (5) prosthetic devices not including dentures;
6. (6) medical supplies and equipment;
7. (7) physical therapy;
8. (8) outpatient laboratory and outpatient x-ray services;
9. (9) ambulatory surgical center services;
10. (10) nonemergency medical transportation;
11. (11) outpatient physician services;
12. (12) outpatient hospital services;
13. (13) intermediate care facility services;
14. (14) skilled nursing facility services;
15. (15) emergency medical transportation;
16. (16) pharmaceuticals;
17. (17) inpatient physician services;
18. (18) inpatient hospital services.