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

SHELBY CO. WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE – A Shelby County woman is charged with TennCare fraud, accused of attempting to use TennCare benefits to pay for a fraudulent prescription.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of April D. McKinney, 28, of Memphis.  The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office assisted in this arrest.

The arrest warrant charges McKinney with presenting a pharmacy with a prescription that had been altered to add a form of Codeine to a prescription for an antibiotic, Amoxicillin, and them trying to use TennCare benefits to pay for the prescription.

“Pharmacists and their staffs across Tennessee are very alert to methods some people use to get drugs not prescribed for them,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “We’re intent on eliminating this crime in the TennCare program.”

If convicted, the TennCare fraud charge against McKinney could result in a two-year sentence.  District Attorney General Amy T. Weirich 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."