Davidson County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Davidson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for filing a fraudulent prescription and using TennCare healthcare insurance benefits to pay for it.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), today announced the arrest of Brittie Gay Henderson, 28, of Nashville. She is charged with TennCare fraud, identity theft and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. The charges against Henderson accuse her of using TennCare to obtain the painkiller Oxycodone, and using the name and DEA number of a healthcare provider, which she was not authorized to use.

“Every pill diverted to the streets endangers our innocent,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said.  “The OIG works alongside local law enforcement to protect Tennessee neighborhoods.”

District Attorney General Glenn R. Funk 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, 3,111 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/oig/ and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”