Two Mid-State Residents Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two mid-state residents are charged in separate cases with TennCare fraud, both involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Dana D. Barnett (Lindland), 38, of Cedar Hill, and Mary E. Hudgins, 35, of Tullahoma.

Dana D. Barnett (Lindland) is charged in a Robertson County indictment with fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance by doctor shopping for prescription drugs. That’s the crime of visiting multiple doctors in a 30-day period for the purpose of obtaining prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment.

Mary E. Hudgins is charged in Coffee County in a case also involving prescription drugs. She is accused of TennCare fraud in connection with using TennCare benefits to obtain a prescription for the drug Adderall, a stimulant, later selling a portion to a confidential informant.

“It’s an ongoing battle to stop TennCare fraud in the area of prescription drug abuse,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “Some of the often-abused prescription drugs, like Adderall, can be toxic when mixed with alcohol and can lead to addiction, so it’s important that we keep these drugs off the street.”  

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  District Attorney General John W. Carney will prosecute the Robertson County case.  The Coffee County case will be prosecuted by District Attorney General Craig Northcott.

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, 2,495 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.

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