Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

THREE PEOPLE IN TROUSDALE CO. CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

BRINGS TOTAL NUMBER CHARGED BY OIG TO 1,601

 

NASHVILLE, TN - The arrest of three people in Trousdale County brings the total number of arrests for TennCare fraud to 1,601, since the Office of Inspector General (OIG) was formed and given authority to pursue fraud cases.

The three arrests all involve prescription drug fraud with TennCare benefits used as payment.

“Many people are now using prescription drugs instead of ‘street drugs,’ making our efforts more critical to keep fraud out of the TennCare program,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “The Special Agents of the OIG are working throughout the Tennessee pursuing people who abuse TennCare.”

The three arrested are:

• Melissa Wright, 40, of Lebanon, charged with one count of TennCare fraud for willfully making a false statement regarding her medical condition in order to obtain medical assistance benefits she was not entitled to;
• Jessica N. Scruggs, 26, of Hartsville, charged with two counts of TennCare fraud for using TennCare benefits on two separate occasions to obtain the painkiller Hydrocodone while planning to sell a portion of the drugs;
• Elizabeth A. Graves, 23, of Lafayette, charged with two counts of TennCare fraud for using TennCare on two separate occasions to obtain the painkiller Hydrocodone while secretly planning to sell a portion of the drugs.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Tom P. Thompson is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,600 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."