Putnam Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Putnam County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with attempting to use TennCare benefits to pay for the drugs she planned to smuggle into the Putnam County Jail.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, announced the arrest of Patricia Ann Simpson, 60, of Cookeville.
Simpson is accused of conspiring with two other individuals in an attempt to bring contraband into a penal institution. According to the indictment, Simpson gave an unindicted co-conspirator pills identified as Buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid addiction, with the intent and purpose that it would be introduced into the Putnam County Jail. The prescription was obtained through Medicare Part D which is paid for in part by TennCare. She has been charged with TennCare fraud, conspiracy to introduce contraband in a penal facility and sell or delivery of a controlled substance.
"Our mission is to preserve the integrity of the TennCare program by preventing fraud and abuse of the program, especially in the area of prescription drugs," Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. Local officials have been incredibly helpful because they also want to stop prescription drug abuse in their communities."
TennCare fraud is a Class D felony carrying a sentence of up to four years in prison. 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 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, 2,930 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 800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or visit the website and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”