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FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Officials with the Defense Health Agency issued the
following statement Tuesday:
“We know that those who rely on the Military Health System are concerned about how the government shutdown might impact their health care.
While we can’t predict the exact consequences of a shutdown on every part of our MHS, we will likely see some impact on the delivery of health care services within our military hospitals and clinics. Inpatient, acute and emergency outpatient care in our medical and dental facilities will continue, as will private sector care under TRICARE. Local hospital and clinic commanders will need to implement the required adjustments to available medical services while ensuring that the quality of care and safety of patients remain intact. Patients should contact their hospital or clinic to confirm previously scheduled routine appointments. Patients needing to schedule new routine appointments might experience delays.
For TRICARE beneficiaries using providers in the private sector, little or no effect is anticipated at this time.
The MHS leadership — composed of the assistant secretary of defense for Health Affairs, the director of the Defense Health Agency and the surgeons general of the military departments — are closely monitoring the situation regarding a possible government shutdown on the health services provided to our 9.6 million beneficiaries.”
Also be aware that during the government shutdown, TRICARE will not be able to process or pay TRICARE travel claims for the TRICARE Prime or the Combat-Related Specialty Care travel benefits. You may still file your travel claim. TRICARE will review claims for eligibility and process them once the government shutdown ends.”
