Shelby Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Shelby County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving forgery.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of Memphis Police, today announced the arrest of Gloria Neal, 33,  of Memphis.

A Shelby County Grand Jury charged Neal with TennCare fraud and four counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. Charges accuse her of altering legitimate prescriptions on four separate occasions by either changing the quantity or adding a controlled substance to the legitimate prescriptions. The drugs were obtained by using TennCare benefits.

"People may not think about the repercussions of committing TennCare fraud to obtain prescription drugs, but at some point anyone involved in this activity will be caught," said Inspector General Manny Tyndall. "We appreciate the providers, local law enforcement officials and pharmacists who provide us with valuable information in our efforts to identify and prosecute these cases."

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Amy T. Weirich 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, 2,470 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.