Davidson Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Davidson County woman is charged in both Davidson and Rutherford Counties with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, or using TennCare to go to multiple doctors in a short time period to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of Metro Nashville Police and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Akila Yawar Kuchan, 38, of Nashville. She is charged in Davidson County with four counts of TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping and one count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. After posting bond in Nashville, she was transported to Rutherford County where she was charged with two counts of TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping. In both incidents, Kuchan used TennCare benefits to obtain the painkillers Hydrocodone, Oxycodone and Tramadol.

“Prescription drug abuse is public enemy number one in communities across the state,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “Healthcare providers and local law enforcement are working with us to investigate and prosecute these types of crimes.”

Davidson County District Attorney General Glenn R. Funk is prosecuting and Rutherford County District Attorney General Jennings H. Jones will be prosecuting the Rutherford County case.  TennCare fraud is now a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,824 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions. Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or visit the website and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”