As the government shutdown enters its second week, concerns are mounting over its impact on health care providers who serve military families.

Doctors and clinics in San Antonio, a city often referred to as “Military City USA,” report that they are no longer receiving compensation for services provided to active-duty service members, retirees, and their dependents through the TRICARE program, Breitbart News reports.

Several providers say they are beginning to feel significant financial strain as payments stall. The funding lapse stems from the ongoing budget impasse in Congress, where Senate Democrats have prioritized extending Affordable Care Act subsidies as part of any reopening agreement.

Critics warn that the standoff could jeopardize access to medical care for military families nationwide, with the effects especially visible in San Antonio due to its large concentration of Department of Defense facilities and personnel, the outlet noted further.

San Antonio, home to Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) — the largest joint base operation in the U.S. military — is among the areas most affected by the ongoing shutdown. The installation includes Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, Fort Sam Houston, and Camp Bullis, all of which support tens of thousands of soldiers, airmen, and their families who depend on TRICARE to cover their medical expenses.

The funding lapse has left civilian health care providers who treat military personnel and their dependents without reimbursement, creating growing financial strain. Military retirees, who also rely on TRICARE for their health care needs, are facing similar uncertainty, Breitbart noted.

According to a recent News4SA report, one San Antonio health care provider that serves families with children who have developmental disorders said the clinic is already struggling to remain open due to the lack of payments during the shutdown.