Military Special Needs Network
Proudly Supporting all Military Families with a Special Needs Dependent
Government Shutdown: Military Special Needs Community
We have been receiving numerous questions this morning regarding the effects of the government shutdown on our military special needs families. Below are links and information gathered regarding services and supports. This blog will be updated throughout the day, as we receive further information. If you have heard additional or different information, please let us know so that we can update.
TRICARE
http://www.tricare.mil/Welcome/MediaCenter/News/Archives/10_1_13_Shutdown.aspx
They cannot predict the exact consequences, however, they will *likely* see some impact within military hospitals and clinics. Contact your local hospital or clinic to confirm all appointments. If you need to reschedule, you may experience delays. For TRICARE beneficiaries that are using providers in the private sector, little-to-no effect is anticipated at this time.
Note: During the government shutdown, TRICARE will not be able to process or pay TRICARE travel claims for the TRICARE Prime or the Combat-Related Specialty Care travel benefits. You may still file your travel claim. TRICARE will review claims for eligibility and process them once the government shutdown ends.
Pharmacy
We are receiving conflicting information regarding medications at MTF pharmacies. Some pharmacies will be dispensing in-patient and emegency room meds only, while others are fully functional. Please contact your MTF pharmacy for information.
Commissary
All stateside stores (including Alaska and Hawaii) will be closed beginning Oct. 2. All stores in the U.S. will be open today (Oct. 1) to sell as much produce and perishables as possible. Stores outside the U.S. will remain operational (including Guam and Puerto Rico). It is recommended that you contact your local installation’s facility to confirm its availability and hours of operation prior to making a special trip. For more information on the Commissary, visit www.commissaries.com or www.facebook.com/YourCommissary.
Respite Care
According to a representative at Child Care Aware – respite care will not be affected to those already receiving the service; their contracts are still valid. Verification of EFMP status, however, is disrupted, since many EFMP offices are impacted by the shutdown, but Child Care Aware is still adding families to wait lists. For further information, please contact Child Care Aware at (800) 424-2246. Still awaiting confirmation for Marine Corps and Army respite care.
NEX/PX
Will remain open, but check with your local installation to verify hours of operation.
https://www.mynavyexchange.com/storefinder/
http://www.shopmyexchange.com/exchangestores/
EFMP
Many installations are running at bare minimum, due to case workers/liaisons being furloughed. EFMP paperwork and processing may be delayed during the shutdown. Please contact your local EFMP department at your installation for further information. If you need help locating their phone numbers, please contact MSNN – and we can help provide you with that information.
Child Care Centers
Child Development Centers will remain open; however School Age Care (SAC) not attached to a CDC may close. Please check with your local installation to determine if alternative arrangements should be made.
Lodging
Will remain open
Therapies
You will still be able to have therapies; there have been no changes, however, reimbursements to the providers may be delayed.
WIC
Remain open and operational
*Update: Although states administer the WIC program and each state will handle the shutdown differently, expect big changes in the coming days/weeks. Today, Utah’s Dept. of Health announced that WIC will be closing its doors to new clients.
ECHO
Representatives said that, at this time, they cannot predict if the government shutdown will affect ECHO services. Please contact your ECHO case manager for further details.
Other Links
Military One Source: website & call center are open and fully-operational.
Some installations are releasing information regarding the government shutdown. We will be providing more links as they become available. If your installation has info, please let us know – we will add it to our list.
- Camp Pendleton: http://mccscp.com/shutdown
- National Guard Information: http://www.nationalguard.mil/features/shutdown/default.aspx
Military Spouse Education: http://www.militaryspouse.com/articles/how-the-government-shutdown-impacts-military-spouse-education/
Addresses/Phone Numbers for installations & state resources: http://www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil/MOS/f?p=MI:ENTRY:0
National Military Family Association: http://www.militaryfamily.org/feature-articles/government-shutdown.html
Shutdown freezes troop bonuses and tuition assistance: http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/10/01/shutdown-freezes-troop-bonuses-tuition-assistance.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm
*Updated 10/1/13 – 12:15am PST.
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