White Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A White County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with the sale of prescription drugs paid for by the state’s health care insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of officers from the White County Sheriff’s Department and Sparta Police, today announced the arrest of Lori Ann Miller, 35, of Sparta. She is accused of using TennCare to obtain the painkiller Morphine, and later selling a portion to an undercover officer. Miller is charged with TennCare fraud and sale and delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance.

“We are working with local police across the state and it’s paying off with these kinds of arrests,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “Tennessee consistently ranks high among states for prescription drug use, and we’re committed to eliminating drug fraud in TennCare.”

District Attorney General Bryant C. Dunaway is prosecuting.   As of July 1, 2016, TennCare fraud was changed to a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison.

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, 2,703 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or visit the website and follow prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”