Knox Co. Woman Sentenced To 15 Years for TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Knox County woman arrested four times for TennCare fraud involving prescription drugs must now serve 15 years in state custody.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced judgments against 47-year old, Nancy Elaine Horsley, of Corryton. She is the fourth person in the history of the OIG to be charged four times with doctor shopping for drugs, using TennCare as payment.

Three of Horsley’s cases were in Knox County and one in White County. In all four arrests, she was charged with obtaining the painkillers Hydrocodone and Codeine by doctor shopping, with the clinical visits being paid for by TennCare.

Horsley was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the Knox County cases, and three years in the White County case, for a total of 15 years in prison.

 “We are committed to protecting TennCare for people who are truly in need of healthcare benefits, and are eligible for the program,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We will not tire of criminally prosecuting people who fraudulently exploit the system.”

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 prosecuted the White County Case and District Attorney General Charme P. Allen prosecuted the Knox County cases.

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, 2,451 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.