Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

DAVIDSON COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE – Davidson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in nearby Robertson County for attempting to use TennCare healthcare insurance benefits to pay for a forged prescription. 

It’s the second forgery arrest for Lisa R. Sesler, 38, of Nashville, who was arrested after an investigation by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).

Sesler is charged by a grand jury in Robertson County with one count of TennCare fraud for presenting a forged prescription for the painkiller Lortab, attempting to use TennCare benefits as payment for the forged prescription.

She was first arrested on October 18 of this year and charged with one count of fraud and one count of forgery.  Those charges accused her of presenting a forged prescription to a pharmacy for the painkiller Hydrocodone.

“We are working with local police and medical providers to help us win the battle against TennCare fraud,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “We are strongly committed to eliminating the incidence of people fraudulently obtaining drugs and letting TennCare pick up the tab.”

The TennCare fraud charge against Sesler could result in a two year sentence, if convicted. District Attorney General John W. Carney 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, nearly 1,500 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."