Crockett Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Crockett County woman is charged in nearby Dyer County with doctor shopping for prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment for the pills.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Dyer and Crockett County Sheriff’s Offices, today announced the arrest of Genice Taylor, 57, of Bells. Taylor is charged in connection with for the painkiller Hydrocodone, using TennCare as payment. She has been charged with two counts of TennCare fraud by doctor shopping.
“Tennessee is fortunate to have the laws and the authority to pursue people who are doctor shopping for drugs, whether it’s for personal abuse or with the intent of distribution,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “Experts say opioid abuse is an epidemic in the U.S., and statistics say that more than two million people in the country have become dependent on or abused prescription pain pills and street drugs.”
District Attorney General Phillip Bivens 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, 2,900 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.”