Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

HOUSTON CO. WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE – A Houston County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for selling prescription drugs paid for by TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Carrie Dianne Adams, 50, of Erin, after a joint investigation with the 23rd Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.

Adams has been charged with one count of TennCare fraud for using TennCare to obtain a prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone, later meeting with a confidential informant and selling a portion of the drugs.  

“Medical providers, law enforcement, and state agencies are no longer tolerating this kind of abuse of the TennCare program, especially when it relates to addictive prescription painkillers,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “We are intent on prosecuting every one of these cases to the fullest extent possible.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. 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 $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."