As the government shutdown enters its second week, concerns are mounting over its impact on health care providers who serve military families.
Doctors and clinics in San Antonio, a city often referred to as “Military City USA,” report that they are no longer receiving compensation for services provided to active-duty service members, retirees, and their dependents through the TRICARE program, Breitbart News reports.
Several providers say they are beginning to feel significant financial strain as payments stall. The funding lapse stems from the ongoing budget impasse in Congress, where Senate Democrats have prioritized extending Affordable Care Act subsidies as part of any reopening agreement.
Critics warn that the standoff could jeopardize access to medical care for military families nationwide, with the effects especially visible in San Antonio due to its large concentration of Department of Defense facilities and personnel, the outlet noted further.
San Antonio, home to Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) — the largest joint base operation in the U.S. military — is among the areas most affected by the ongoing shutdown. The installation includes Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, Fort Sam Houston, and Camp Bullis, all of which support tens of thousands of soldiers, airmen, and their families who depend on TRICARE to cover their medical expenses.
The funding lapse has left civilian health care providers who treat military personnel and their dependents without reimbursement, creating growing financial strain. Military retirees, who also rely on TRICARE for their health care needs, are facing similar uncertainty, Breitbart noted.
According to a recent News4SA report, one San Antonio health care provider that serves families with children who have developmental disorders said the clinic is already struggling to remain open due to the lack of payments during the shutdown.
Dr. Britt Sims, Executive Director of Integrated Behavior Solutions, told News4SA, “We can last a couple of weeks on what I have personally, but now, I’m done. I’m spent. If by some miracle, something happens, then I don’t know. We’ll keep fighting somehow.”
Another healthcare provider that serves retirees, soldiers, and their families is facing similar pressures as the shutdown continues. Dr. Gia Koehne, who owns a small practice called the Blossom Center for Children in San Antonio, told the local outlet, “Because of all of this, everything is completely stalled and halted.”
“We have a lot of families that need services, and we just don’t have the capacity to be able to do that, because we’re not getting paid,” Koehne explained, noting that the practice provides care for children diagnosed with autism.
TRICARE is the government-sponsored health insurance program for active, reserve, and retired military members and their families. On October 1, the program warned of potential payment delays due to the government shutdown.
“During the current lapse in government appropriations, you may continue to get care or attend currently scheduled appointments with your civilian providers. Your usual out-of-pocket costs will apply,” the healthcare organization said in a memo to members.
“You may also continue to fill prescriptions at military pharmacies, retail network pharmacies, and home delivery,” it added.
“However, TRICARE may not be able to process or pay medical claims 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,” the statement continued.
“We 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,” the statement concluded.
The Trump administration announced Saturday that it will ensure military service members continue to receive pay during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
According to officials, the administration plans to tap unused funds originally allocated for research and development to cover payroll for troops until government funding is restored.