Marshall County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE - A Marshall County woman is charged with TennCare fraud after attempting to use TennCare to pay for an altered prescription.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Heather R. Rogers, 20, of Lewisburg.  Her arrest was assisted by the Lewisburg Police Department.

Rogers was arrested on a warrant alleging she changed a prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone from ten, which the prescription was written for, to 20 pills.  She’s accused of attempting to get the forged prescription filled, and to use TennCare to pay for it at a local pharmacy.  She did not receive the medication. 

“Altering a prescription to increase the amount of a narcotic is one of the methods used by those who are trying to get painkillers, but pharmacists keep a watchful eye for suspicious prescription amounts,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “We’re thankful pharmacists are catching this and stopping the transactions so we can pursue the cases.”

Rogers faces one count of TennCare fraud. Penalties for the charge can include up to two years in prison.  Marshall County District Attorney General Charles Crawford 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."