Tipton Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Tipton County woman is charged in nearby Shelby County with doctor shopping for prescription drugs, using TennCare healthcare insurance benefits as payment for the pills.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Brenda Lundy, also known as Brenda Chapman, age 56, of Munford. Lundy is accused of using TennCare to visit multiple doctors in a short time period to obtain prescriptions for the painkillers Hydrocodone and Oxycodone. She faces three counts of TennCare fraud by doctor shopping and one count of theft of property.

“Illegally obtaining prescription drugs is a crime,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “Tennessee laws have been strengthened to provide the tools law enforcement needs to deter TennCare benefits from being used to fund the opioid epidemic.”

District Attorney General Amy T. Weirich is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is now 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, 2,961 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.”