Residents of Bristol, Memphis Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two people are charged with TennCare fraud in separate cases in Hamblen and Sullivan Counties. Both cases involve prescription drugs.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Hamblen and Sullivan County Sheriff’s Offices, today announced the arrest of Glenna Goodpasture, 40, of Memphis and Tammy K. Brown, 59, of Bristol.
Goodpasture is charged in a Hamblen County indictment with two counts of TennCare fraud for allegedly using TennCare benefits to obtain the painkiller Oxycodone and later selling a portion to an undercover informant. District Attorney General Dan E. Armstrong will prosecute this case.
Ms. Brown is charged with TennCare fraud in an indictment in Sullivan County, where she’s accused of using TennCare to obtain the painkiller Hydrocodone and later selling a portion to an informant. District Attorney General Barry P. Staubus will prosecute this case.
“Obtaining prescriptions with TennCare benefits and then selling the drugs is a crime that endangers all of us,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “We appreciate local law enforcement and health care providers who collaborate with us in our efforts to preserve TennCare benefits.”
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, 2,991 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.”