BEDFORD COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE – A Bedford County woman is accused of TennCare fraud for attempting to use her TennCare to pay for a forged prescription for a controlled substance. 

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the indictment and arrest of Tiffany Dawn Smith, 21, for one count of attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud and two counts of attempted TennCare Fraud. 

Governor Phil Bredesen created the OIG, one of the first units of its kind in the nation, in 2004.  Since it became operational in February 2005, 257 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.  

“The fraudulent use of TennCare pharmacy benefits is a serious problem in local communities in Tennessee, but we’re working hard to investigate and prosecute these crimes,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “We are working with agencies across the state in the war against TennCare fraud – just as we did with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office in this case.”

The charges against Tiffany Smith are Class D and Class E felonies, punishable by up to four years in prison.  Bond has been recommended at $3,000.  District Attorney Torry S. Johnson is prosecuting.

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 Fraud Now.”