Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

MEIGS COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE 'DOCTOR SHOPPING'

NASHVILLE – A Meigs County woman is charged in a Roane County indictment with TennCare fraud involving “doctor shopping.” This is the second woman charged in Roane County with the crime in less than a week’s time.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from the Roane County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Mary Rosenbaum, 21, of Ten Mile. Rosenbaum is charged with one count of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance by “doctor shopping.”   She failed to disclose to her healthcare provider that she had seen other doctors within a 30-day period and received a prescription for the strong painkiller hydrocodone with the physician office visits being paid for by TennCare.

"The ‘doctor shopping’ law is one of our most valuable tools in cracking down on people who are misusing TennCare to feed their own prescription drug abuse and addictions,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said.  “Doctors and pharmacists across the state have applauded this law and our efforts to stop people from doing this and are helping us develop these cases.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison.  District Attorney General Russell Johnson will be prosecuting this case.

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 1,200 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."