Shelby Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

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

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Keiarsha D. Griggs, 26, of Memphis. She is charged with 11 counts of TennCare fraud by doctor shopping involving the painkiller Oxycodone, as well as theft of property over $1,000.00 and TennCare fraud for diluting her blood sample in an attempt to obtain a controlled substance. Griggs used TennCare benefits as payment.

"We are dedicated to fighting the opioid crisis in Tennessee by investigating the use of TennCare benefits in the illegal obtainment of prescription drugs,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. "We appreciate the collaborative efforts of other law enforcement agencies and healthcare providers in working these cases."

District Attorney General Amy T. Weirich is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison per charge.

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, 2,954 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.”