03/12/2026
🚨 Update: Delayed Medical Bills from Military Hospitals
The Defense Health Agency has begun sending delayed medical bills to non-Tricare patients who received care at U.S. military treatment facilities over the past three years. These bills were delayed during a Congressionally mandated billing pause and are now starting to go out.
Important things to know:
• If you had insurance: The bills should reflect only the amount your insurance determined was your responsibility (copays, coinsurance, etc.) even if the MTF did not properly submit the bills to insurance.
• Bills will NOT automatically be reduced. If you need help, you must apply for assistance through the DHA Debt Adjudication Office.
• Care that "benefited the MTF", saving money/resources or provided important experience for medical personnel may be discounted.
💰 Financial help may be available:
Patients can apply for income-based discounts using federal poverty guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Depending on income, this could include: Full bill relief, reduced balances or interest-free payment plans.
📢 If you receive a bill:
1️⃣ Don’t ignore it
2️⃣ Apply for waivers and financial assistance if needed
3️⃣ Let Japan Civilian Medical Advocacy (JCMA) know if you experience problems, incorrect charges, or issues with the process so we can track community concerns. We are also helping connect patients who were inappropriately billed or sent to collections for medical bills that fall under that three-year window.
Read more about the program here: https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Payment-Waiver-Program/Payment-and-Waiver-FAQs
Civilian employees and contractors may soon begin receiving medical bills delayed for nearly three years.
