Lawrence Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Lawrence County woman is charged in Giles 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 Lawrence and Giles County Sheriff’s Offices, today announced the arrest of Sylvia Dale Gaines, 53, of Lawrenceburg. She is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud using TennCare to obtain the painkillers Hydrocodone and Demerol by going to multiple doctors within a 30-day period for the drugs.

“Going from doctor to doctor to get prescriptions for drugs is a crime,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “It is fortunate that Tennessee has laws to support law enforcement so we can stop people using TennCare to obtain opioids and other drugs.”

District Attorney General Brent Cooper 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, 2,981 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 log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig/ and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”