Pentagon health officials said the federal government’s partial shutdown would likely have some impact on the delivery of health care services at US 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,” states an Oct. 1 Defense Health Agency release. However, local hospital and clinic commanders will need to implement adjustments to medical services so that the quality of care and safety of patients remain intact, according to the release. There might be delays for patients scheduling new routine appointments, for example. There should be “little or no effect” for Tricare beneficiaries using providers in the private sector, states the release.
When Donald Trump begins his second term as president in January, national security law experts anticipate he may return to his old habit of issuing orders to the military via social media, a practice which could cause confusion in the ranks.