Warren Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud in Cannon Co.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A Warren County woman is charged in nearby Cannon County with TennCare fraud involving forgery and doctor shopping.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Brittany A. Duggin, 24, of McMinnville. An indictment in Cannon County accuses her of presenting a forged prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone to a local pharmacy, and attempting to use TennCare benefits as payment. 

In addition, Duggin is charged with doctor shopping for controlled substances, using TennCare as payment. She received a prescription for the painkiller Tramadol less than 30-days before receiving another prescription from a different doctor for Hydrocodone, using TennCare to pay for both.

“Tennessee communities are simply no longer tolerating the fraudulent misuse of prescription drugs, especially when TennCare is involved,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We are working closely with local law enforcement agencies and providers across the state to investigate and prosecute these types of crimes.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Jennings H. Jones is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,466 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 go to https://www.tn.gov/tnoig.