As the federal government shutdown continues, some Tricare medical providers are being told their claims for services for military families may not be paid until government funding is restored, according to contractors, advocates and the Tricare.mil website .

It’s not clear why those claims are delayed or why the money isn’t available now to pay claims for that care, as the Defense Department’s shutdown guidance specifically exempts private-sector care under Tricare from the shutdown’s effects.

“You can’t tell providers to keep seeing people free of charge,” said Kristi Cabiao, CEO and founder of Mission Alpha Advocacy, an organization that works to improve quality of life for military families with special needs. “I thought this was an entitlement. I’m really concerned for our fam

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