SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Health Care Providers Struggling Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

As the closure stretches into its second week, health care providers are facing a lack of compensation for services rendered to military personnel and their families. In San Antonio, many doctors and health care providers who depend on Tricare are beginning to feel the financial strain.

Concerns have arisen that the expansion of federal subsidies connected to Obamacare, a key priority for Democrats, may inadvertently threaten health care services available to U.S. service members, veterans, and their dependents. While the issue is significant nationwide, it seems particularly acute in San Antonio, often referred to as “Military America” due to its numerous Department of the Army facilities.

Joint Base San Antonio, the largest joint base operation in the U.S. military, is located in the city and includes Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, Fort Sam Houston, and Camp Bliss. The families of soldiers and airmen stationed there rely heavily on Tricare to cover costs for civilian health care providers who are increasingly feeling the financial impact of the ongoing shutdown. Veterans too depend on TRICARE for their medical needs.

A recent report on San Antonio News4SA highlighted the struggles of a health care provider serving families of children with developmental disabilities. Dr. Britt Sims, executive director of Integrated Behavior Solutions, expressed her worries, saying, “I’ll hold out for a few weeks with what I have personally, but it’s over. I’m spent. If by some miracle something happens, I don’t know. We’re going to keep fighting somehow.”

Other providers catering to soldiers, veterans, and their families are also under similar pressures. Dr. Gia Cone, who operates a small clinic called Blossom Center for Children, mentioned, “With all of this, everything has completely come to a standstill and stopped.”

She added, “We have a lot of families that need services, but we don’t have the capacity to do it because we’re not getting paid,” referring to the clinic’s work with children diagnosed with autism.

Tricare, the government-funded health insurance for active duty military members, reservists, veterans, and their families, has issued warnings about possible payment delays due to the government shutdown. In a statement, TRICARE said:

While government funding is currently halted, you may still receive treatment and attend scheduled appointments with private healthcare providers. Standard out-of-pocket fees apply.

You can also continue to fill prescriptions at military pharmacies, retail network pharmacies, and through delivery services.

However, TRICARE might not be able to process or pay medical claims submitted after October 1, 2025, until funds are replenished. The Defense Health Agency is collaborating with TRICARE contractors to keep health care providers informed about possible delays in payments.

We recognize the concern and inconvenience this may cause and sincerely apologize for the confusion. Our commitment remains to restore full operations as soon as the budget is enacted.