{"id":84118,"date":"2025-10-10T21:34:18","date_gmt":"2025-10-10T21:34:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/uncategorized\/2025\/10\/10\/tricare-warns-government-shutdown-could-stall-claims-payments\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T17:07:29","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T17:07:29","slug":"tricare-warns-government-shutdown-could-stall-claims-payments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/management\/pay-benefits\/military-benefits\/health-care-benefits\/2025\/10\/10\/tricare-warns-government-shutdown-could-stall-claims-payments\/","title":{"rendered":"Tricare warns government shutdown could stall claims payments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the federal government shutdown<\/a> continues, some Tricare medical providers are being told their claims for services for military families may not be paid until government funding is restored, according to contractors, advocates and the Tricare.mil website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not clear why those claims are delayed or why the money isn\u2019t available now to pay claims for that care, as the Defense Department\u2019s shutdown guidance<\/a> specifically exempts private-sector care under Tricare from the shutdown\u2019s effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t tell providers to keep seeing people free of charge,\u201d said Kristi Cabiao, CEO and founder of Mission Alpha Advocacy, an organization that works to improve quality of life for military families with special needs. \u201cI thought this was an entitlement. I\u2019m really concerned for our families.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On top of being uncertain about whether service members will be paid Oct. 15<\/a>, Cabiao said, \u201cIt\u2019s now, \u2018Oh, by the way, your child\u2019s medical provider isn\u2019t being paid.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to shutdown guidance <\/a>issued by DOD, \u201cprivate sector care under Tricare\u201d is excepted from the shutdown, and is specifically identified as one of the missions and functions that may continue to be carried out in the absence of available appropriations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shutdown information page on Tricare.mil reiterates that guidance<\/a>, saying Tricare patients \u201cmay continue to get care or attend currently scheduled appointments with your civilian providers. Your usual out-of-pocket costs will apply.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, a key issue for medical providers is payment for their services. The Tricare page goes on to state<\/a> that \u201cTricare may not be able to process or pay medical claims for services received on or after October 1, 2025, until funding is restored. The Defense Health Agency is also working with our Tricare contractors to also communicate with healthcare providers on potential delays in payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe understand this may cause concern and inconvenience, and we sincerely regret the disruption. We remain committed to resuming full operation as quickly as possible once appropriations are enacted.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\t