March Air Reserve Base Pharmacy to Close March 31 2004

WASHINGTON, DC - Inland Empire Representatives Calvert (CA-44), Lewis (CA-41), Bono (CA-45), and Issa (CA-49) announced today that the closure of the pharmacy located at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California has been extended until March 31, 2004. The pharmacy closure was extended before to January 31, 2004 after the original closing date of December 31, 2003.

"The pharmacy at March has been a valuable resource to veterans and military personnel over the past few months and I understand the frustration at its closing," said Rep. Calvert. "However, customers should know that they do have options other than having to travel to Camp Pendleton to obtain their prescriptions and we are continuing to work to keep those prescriptions at reasonable prices. I am grateful for my colleagues for their work on this matter and look forward to working with them to in our continued support of March Air Reserve Base."

"It has become clear that veterans and military families throughout the Inland Empire have come to appreciate having the pharmacy available at March Air Reserve Base, and I would like to thank Congressman Calvert for his leadership in delaying the closing of this popular facility," said Congressman Jerry Lewis. "All of the members who represent this area are committed to ensuring that the needs of these constituents will be met conveniently and inexpensively in the years to come."

"While I am disappointed that we are losing a tremendous facility, we will continue to work to find ways to provide our local veterans and military personnel with price parity between government run and civilian pharmacies," said Congresswomen Mary Bono. As customers transition from using the March Air Force base facility, it is our hope that they will continue to receive the lowest prices possible while enjoying a higher accessibility in obtaining their prescription drugs. Our local veterans and military personnel should rest assured that that we will continue to fight for affordability and accessibility.

"My office stands ready to assist constituents affected by the closure of the March Air Force Base pharmacy," said Rep. Darrell Issa. "It is important that military personnel, veterans and their families in Riverside County continue to have affordable and accessible pharmaceutical options."

Currently the pharmacy is in a transition period and while no new prescriptions are being accepted, refill service will continue through the month of March. In addition, there are three options available to beneficiaries such as the utilization of the TRICARE Mail Order Program, the retail network (i.e., filling prescriptions at a local Rite Aid), and pharmacies available in Military Medical Treatment Facilities. Beneficiaries can learn more about their options at the TRICARE website:
www.tricare.osd.mil/pharmacy/default.cfm