Rutherford Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Rutherford County woman is charged with doctor shopping for prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment for the pills. Doctor shopping involves a person going to multiple doctors in a 30-day period in order to obtain prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Jamie R. Allred, 24, of Murfreesboro. She is charged with seven counts of TennCare fraud in connection with doctor shopping for the painkillers Hydrocodone and Oxycodone, using TennCare as payment.

“Controlled substances provide short-term pain management for those who need it, but they have a dangerous potential for abuse and addiction that can be lethal or fatal,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “Many TennCare members benefit from these drugs when needed, but law enforcement in Tennessee is committed to pursuing cases involving opioid abuse, especially when TennCare is involved.”

District Attorney General Jennings H. Jones is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is 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, 2,890 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 visit the website and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”