In late September, a federal worker based abroad learned that her husband, who is also a federal worker and a military veteran, had “high risk, very aggressive cancer.” Doctors told the couple that the cancer needed to be removed immediately or it would no longer be treatable.

Her husband is covered by TRICARE, the health care program offered to members of the military and veterans. “You basically pay upfront, and then you're reimbursed,” says the federal worker, who asked to remain anonymous as she is not authorized to speak to the press. “Typically with big surgeries like this, you get preapproval and the payment process is easier,” she says.

But on October 1, just days before her husband went in for surgery, the government shut down . This meant that his claims can’t be paid unti

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