DeKalb Co. Woman Charged 2nd Time with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A DeKalb County woman is charged a second time with TennCare fraud involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Cannon County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Ashley Morgan, 28, of Readyville. A Cannon County indictment charges her with three counts of fraudulently obtaining controlled substances by doctor shopping for the painkillers Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, using TennCare to pay for the clinical visits.

Morgan was first charged with doctor shopping in DeKalb County this past April.  That case is still pending adjudication in the DeKalb County Criminal Court.

“When individuals go from doctor to doctor to obtain prescription drugs through TennCare benefits, state dollars are involved in illegal drug sales,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We appreciate and value the hard work of the healthcare providers and the local law enforcement across the state and their efforts in helping us develop these cases.”

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 Cannon County case.

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, 2,455 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.