Lincoln County Couple Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE – A husband and his wife from Lincoln County are each charged with TennCare fraud for obtaining prescription medications through TennCare with the intent of selling the drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Kristina Heather Kimbrough, 41, and Chad L. Kimbrough, 45, both of Elora. Both arrests were assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Chad Kimbrough is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud for selling the painkillers Morphine and Hydrocodone, which were obtained through TennCare benefits.  Kristina was charged with two counts of TennCare fraud for aiding and abetting Chad.

“The illegal trafficking of TennCare drugs is a problem across the state, and we simply will not tolerate it,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “Enrollees who participate in selling drugs paid for by TennCare – and those who buy them – should understand this is a serious crime we intend to prosecute.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison. District Attorney General Charles Crawford will prosecute both cases.

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."