Department of Finance & Administration
Larry B. Martin, Interim Commissioner

STEWART COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE – A Stewart County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for using the public health insurance program to obtain prescription drugs which she later sold.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Stewart County Sheriff’s Office and the 23rd Judicial District Drug Task Force, today announced the arrest of Cynthia Lee Glasgow, 39, of Dover.

Glasgow is indicted on three counts of TennCare fraud for presenting prescriptions for the painkiller Hydrocodone on three separate occasions, using TennCare to pay for the prescriptions, while she was planning to sell a portion of the drugs.

“Local community leaders, law enforcement agencies and healthcare professions are all working together against prescription drug fraud, especially when TennCare is involved,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “We also get a lot of tips from private citizens reporting suspected fraud, and we follow up on every lead we get.”

The TennCare fraud charges against Glasgow could result in a two year sentence per charge, if convicted. District Attorney General Dan M. Alsobrooks is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $171 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,300 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 log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."