Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011 |
CONTACT: LOLA POTTER 615.532.8560 (OFFICE) 615.202.0701 (CELL) |
FLORIDA WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO TENNCARE FRAUD, COMMITTED IN TENNESSEE
NASHVILLE – A Florida woman has pleaded guilty to TennCare fraud for a crime committed when she lived in Bedford County, Tennessee.
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) today announced the conviction of Rebecca J. Black, 38, on one charge of TennCare fraud.
According to the court criminal record, Black committed TennCare fraud by forging prescriptions and using TennCare to pay for the priscriptions. The Shelbyville Police Department initially arrested Black for prescription fraud in connection with the forgeries.
In Bedford Criminal Court, Black waived indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of TennCare fraud. She was sentenced to two years of probation for the plea, running concurrent with a sentence for six counts of prescription fraud brought by the Shelbyville Police Department. She was also ordered to pay restitution to TennCare.
“We continue to work closely with local law enforcement across the state, just as we did in this instance with Shelbyville Police Officers,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “Joining with physicians, pharmacists and other healthcare providers, we are all targeting this crime with the intent of pushing it out of our communities.”
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 1,400 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."
