Davidson County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Davidson County woman is charged with using TennCare to pay for a fraudulent prescription.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with the assistance of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department today announced the arrest of Kathryn T. McGlasson, 30, of Nashville.

McGlasson is charged with TennCare fraud, forgery, identity theft, and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. She’s accused of picking up a prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone, using a fraudulent prescription which contained the DEA number and fraudulent signature of a physician. McGlasson is a prior employee of the physician.

"The fraudulent misuse of TennCare benefits is a serious issue but Tennessee is out front in cracking down on these types of fraud crimes," Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “Health care providers and their employees have become very good at spotting these cases and they’re as committed as we are to winning the war against TennCare fraud."

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. Attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud and identity theft both are Class D felonies that carries a sentence of up to four years in prison. District Attorney Victor “Tory” S. Johnson 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 1,100 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."