Federal Government Shutdown

In the event of a 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.

You may also continue to fill prescriptions at military pharmacies, retail network pharmacies, and home delivery.

TRICARE will continue to process medical claims. However, payment for some claims may be delayed until funding is restored. The Defense Health Agency works with our TRICARE contractors to communicate with health care providers on potential delays in payment. 

TRICARE Services (Applies to All TRICARE Plans)

Inpatient services, including surgeries	No changes for now. Contact your provider to confirm any procedures you have scheduled.
Emergency services	No changes. If you believe you have an emergency, call 911 or your international emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency roomThe hospital department that provides emergency services to patients who need immediate medical attention.. Visit Emergency Care.
Urgent care	No changes. Visit Urgent Care.
Outpatient care, including lab work, primary, and specialty appointments	No changes.
TRICARE Dental Program	No changes. Visit TRICARE Dental Program.
TRICARE Pharmacy Program	No change for retail pharmacies and home delivery. Military pharmacies will continue to operate, but hours and medications available may change.
Call centers	No changes. Visit Contact Us for ways to reach your regional contractor.
Enrollment and PCM changes	No changes. Visit Enroll or Purchase a Plan and Find/Change My Primary Care Manager.
Claims	No changes for now. There may be delays in processing claims if a government shutdown continues for an extended period.
Referrals and authorizations	No changes. Visit Referrals and Pre-Authorizations.
MHS Nurse Advice Line	No changes. Visit MHS Nurse Advice Line.
TRICARE Prime Travel Benefit	Not available. If you must travel for care, save your receipts, and you may file for reimbursement for reasonable travel expensesAmounts you pay when traveling to and from your appointment.  This includes mileage, meals, tolls, parking, lodging, local transportation, and tickets for public transportation. for a qualified trip. Visit Travel Reimbursement for Specialty Care.
Online services	No changes. Secure online services like Beneficiary Web Enrollment, milConnect, MHS GENESIS Patient Portal, and secure messaging will continue to operate. Visit Find My Login.
Government administrative services	Government administrative actions like appeals, line of duty determinations, and grievances, may be delayed or paused due to staffing levels.

Military Hospitals and Clinics (Medical and Dental)

Inpatient services, including surgeries	No changes initially. Contact your local facility to confirm any procedures you have scheduled.
Emergency services	No changes in hospitals that have emergency departments.
Urgent care	No changes in hospitals that have urgent care departments.
Outpatient care, including lab work, primary, and specialty appointments	There may be changes in hours or services. Your hospital or clinic will contact you if they must cancel an appointment. Contact your military hospital or clinic to confirm sick call or walk-in clinic hours.
Military pharmacies	Will continue to operate, but hours and medications available may change.
Referrals and authorizations	No changes.
Enrollment and new patient services	No changes.

Visit Find a Military Hospital or Clinic to find contact information for your military hospital or clinic.