White County Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE – A White County woman has been charged with TennCare fraud for obtaining prescription medications she intended to sell by using TennCare to pay for the drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Tiffany Archer, 20, of Sparta.  Archer was arrested on an indictment accusing her of fraudulently obtaining prescriptions for tramadol, a pain medication similar to morphine, and Flexeril, which is a muscle relaxant, using TennCare to pay for the prescriptions with the intent of selling a portion of the pills.  The White County Sheriff’s Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and the McMinnville Police Department assisted in this arrest.

“This is a perfect example of one reason that we are working to end the illegal trafficking of prescription drugs in TennCare,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “Some drugs, when used together, can cause serious harm, as any drug can when abused, and we’re simply not tolerating the use of TennCare for the illegal distribution of prescription drugs, not to mention the possibly severe physical outcomes.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  Acting District Attorney General Randy York is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.6 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $165 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 920 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.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."