Gibson County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Gibson County woman has been charged with TennCare fraud in neighboring Dyer County in a prescription drug fraud case.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Felicia B. Hughey, 24, of Dyer.  She turned herself in to the Dyer County’s Sheriff’s Office.

Hughey faces felony charges for obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and TennCare fraud for using TennCare benefits to pay for a forged prescription for the painkiller Percocet at a local pharmacy.

“Pharmacies across the state are alert to the elements that some people are using in an effort to obtain prescription drugs, either for personal use or to sell,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “We depend on the state’s pharmacists and their employees to help us identify these cases and prosecute them.”

If convicted Hughley could be sentenced up to four years in prison on the charges against her, which are Class D and E felonies. Dyer County District Attorney Phillip Bivens is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $171 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,050 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."