The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EST on September 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status without pay until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.
Our military hospital remains open and we’re continuing to provide healthcare services. Scheduled appointments and procedures are proceeding as planned, and new appointments continue to be booked. For the latest information regarding TRICARE benefits during this period, please visit www.tricare.mil/shutdown

Please be assured, our commitment to providing exceptional care to you remains our highest priority.

Dec. 23, 2020

Seasonal Depression and the Holidays

Bethesda, Maryland — The winter holidays are traditionally seen as a time of celebration and gathering with friends and family. However, many people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can feel as if December is a month of depression and worry. Add in the COVID-19 Pandemic, and those who suffer from SAD have it more difficult than ever this year.

Service member receives vaccine

Dec. 23, 2020

COVID-19 Vaccine Distributed in Phases to TRICARE Members

The COVID-19 vaccine will soon be available for you and your family. The Department of Defense (DoD), in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will provide COVID-19 vaccines in phases.

Ensign Aaron Furr, a Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) registered nurse assigned to the Multiservice Ward (4H), was surprised with NMCP’s DAISY Award during a ceremony Dec. 22.

Dec. 22, 2020

NMCP Nurse Presented with the DAISY Award

Portsmouth, VA — Ensign Aaron Furr, a Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) registered nurse assigned to the Multiservice Ward (4H), was surprised with NMCP’s DAISY Award during a ceremony Dec. 22. Capt. Lisa Mulligan, NMCP’s commanding officer presented the award.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (Dec. 21, 2020) Ensign Andolyn Medina, Operation Peace founder, poses for a photo with Chris Brogan, NMCP’s child life specialist, and the many of the gifts donated to children of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth’s (NMCP) Pediatric Inpatient Wards.

Dec. 22, 2020

Operation Peace Visits NMCP

Portsmouth, VA — PORTSMOUTH, Va. (Dec. 21, 2020) – Naval Medical Center Portsmouth’s (NMCP) Pediatric Inpatient Ward welcomed Operation PEACE on Dec. 21.

Lt. Cmdr. Alexandra Perry, a physician who works in the intensive care unit at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, reviews a COVID-19 vaccine information sheet prior to receiving the hospital’s first dose of the new vaccine on Dec. 16.

Dec. 22, 2020

A shot of hope: Naval Hospital Jacksonville administers COVID-19 vaccine

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Naval Hospital (NH) Jacksonville is among the first wave of Department of Defense (DoD) hospitals to receive COVID-19 vaccines. NH Jacksonville received an initial supply on Dec. 15, and vaccinations started on Dec. 16.

‘Game-changing’ program enables COVID-19 patients to safely recover at home

Dec. 22, 2020

‘Game-changing’ program enables COVID-19 patients to safely recover at home

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, Dec. 21, 2020 – Kathlyn Chassey was shocked when she was diagnosed with COVID-19 after experiencing a low-grade fever and a bad headache. A former lung transplant recipient, Chassey had been staying close to home for months to avoid the respiratory risks associated with the virus. She figured she had an infection or the flu when she arrived at Brooke Army Medical Center’s Emergency Department.

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) Immunization Clinic personnel administered a COVID-19 vaccination to the first East Coast waterfront Sailor, Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Blair Taylor, Dec. 21.

Dec. 22, 2020

FIRST EAST COAST SAILOR RECEIVES COVID-19 VACCINE AT NMCP

Portsmouth. VA — Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) Immunization Clinic personnel administered a COVID-19 vaccination to the first East Coast waterfront Sailor, Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Blair Taylor, Dec. 21.

Hospitalman Roman Silvestri administers one of the first COVID-19 vaccines given at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) to Cmdr. Joseph Kotora, Medical Services director, and Emergency Medical Services Medical Director for Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, Dec. 15.

Dec. 22, 2020

NMCP Staff Members Receive COVID-19 Vaccines

Portsmouth, VA — PORTSMOUTH, Va. (Dec. 15, 2020) – – Hospitalman Roman Silvestri administers one of the first COVID-19 vaccines given at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) to Cmdr. Joseph Kotora, Medical Services director, and Emergency Medical Services Medical Director for Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, Dec. 15.

Staff Sgt. Brenda Collins, medical specialist, from Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center administers the COVID-19 vaccination to a patient during the phase one process Dec.15, 2020 at on Fort Hood, Texas. Distribution of the vaccine will be conducted in phases based on CDC guidance. The vaccine is stored and distributed under various controls to ensure the safety of the recipient.

Dec. 22, 2020

Army medical treatment facilities to receive initial distribution of COVID vaccine

SEMBACH, Germany — Army medical treatment facilities in Europe will soon receive an initial allocation of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, which recently received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval under an Emergency Use Authorization.

Service member and his family

Dec. 22, 2020

Missed Open Season? How to Get TRICARE Coverage

If you missed the Dec. 14 deadline for open season, you’ll have to wait until next year’s open season to change your existing coverage unless you have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). A QLE—at any time of the year—allows you to enroll in or change your TRICARE Prime (including US Family Health Plan) or TRICARE Select plan. 

Don’t forget to keep your family’s information up to date in DEERS!