McMinn County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A McMinn County woman is charged with attempting to use her TennCare to pay for an altered prescription.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with assistance from the Englewood Police Department and the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrest of Sydny N. Teague, 24, of Englewood.

An arrest warrant alleges that in August, Teague altered a legitimate prescription by adding the painkiller Lortab to the prescription and attempted to use her TennCare to pay for the forged prescription.

“Prescription drug fraud takes many forms, and altering the prescription to add narcotics is one of those methods that pharmacists should keep a watchful eye for,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “We’re thankful pharmacists are catching this and following up when they have questions.”

Teague faces one count of TennCare fraud. The penalty for the charge includes up to two years in jail for the TennCare fraud charge.  District Attorney General Steven Bebb 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 1,240 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."