Putnam Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Doctor Shopping

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Putnam County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, which is the crime of going to multiple doctors in a short period of time to obtain prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of Cookeville Police, today announced the arrest of Betty Ann Hale, 53, of Buffalo Valley.  She is charged with four counts of doctor shopping for the painkillers Oxymorphone and Hydrocodone and using TennCare healthcare insurance benefits as payment.  

“Prescription drug abuse is a problem across the state, and using TennCare to obtain drugs by doctor shopping is one of our major targets,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “Healthcare providers and local law enforcement across the state have also stepped up to help enforce the law against doctor shopping within TennCare.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Bryant C. Dunaway is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures.  To date, 2,285 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 log on to Office of Inspector General and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."