Department of Finance & Administration
Mike Morrow, Commissioner

MADISON COUNTY RESIDENTS CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE - Two people from Jackson are charged in separate cases with TennCare fraud.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the two arrests, both involving the use of TennCare benefits to pay for fraudulent prescription drugs.

Sarah N. Akcin-Munoz, 25, of Jackson is charged with one count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and one count of theft of services for attempting to use TennCare to pay for a fraudulent prescription.  Akcin-Munoz is accused of using TennCare to pay for a prescription for the painkiller Lortab.

David R. Grollnek, 23, of Jackson was indicted on one count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and theft of services for using TennCare to pay for a fraudulent prescription.  Grollnek presented a fraudulent prescription for Lortab and used TennCare to pay for the prescription.

“This kind of clearly illegal use of TennCare has engaged providers, pharmacists and law enforcement who all want to put a stop to it,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “The OIG is focused on prosecuting every one of these cases to the fullest extent of the law.”

If convicted, each subject could spend up to two years in prison.  District Attorney Tom P. Thompson will prosecute.  

The OIG, a law enforcement agency separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has worked cases leading to the arrest of over 760 individuals for TennCare fraud, with nearly $1 million paid in restitution to TennCare, and total estimated cost avoidance in TennCare of over $122 million, according to latest figures.

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.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."