Stewart Co. Woman Charged With TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Stewart County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving illegally selling prescription drugs that were paid for with TennCare benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the 23rd Judicial Drug Task Force, today announced the arrest of Stephanie N. Plummer, 19, of Dover. She is accused of using TennCare to obtain a prescription for Adderall, an often-abused drug that treats attention deficit disorder and a Schedule II controlled substance, and then selling the drugs on three separate occasions.  She has been charged with three counts of TennCare fraud and sale of a controlled substance.

“We would not have our success without local law enforcement helping us identify these cases, build evidence, and assisting in making these arrests,” Inspector Manny Tyndall said.  “We hope everyone will continue to assist us by letting us know when they suspect TennCare fraud.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Ray Crouch, Jr., 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, 2,448 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.