Davidson County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Davidson County woman is charged in nearby Rutherford County with TennCare Fraud involving doctor shopping, or using TennCare to go to multiple providers in a short time period to obtain controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of Millersville Police, today announced the arrest of Tanya Rose McCauley, 31, of Goodlettsville.  She is charged with two counts of doctor shopping to obtain the painkiller Hydrocodone.

“Doctor shopping and using TennCare as payment is a big mistake, because state tax dollars are being used to pay for drugs intended for distribution or abuse,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We appreciate and value the hard work of the healthcare providers 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 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, more than 2,529 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 www.tn.gov/tnoig/  and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”