Davidson County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE - A Davidson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for filling a fraudulent prescription and using TennCare to pay for it.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Metro Nashville Police Department today announced the arrest of Sonya Lorraine Green, 28, of Hermitage.  She is charged with one count of TennCare fraud and one count of identity theft in connection with her use of a forged prescription to obtain controlled substances, some of which were paid for by TennCare. 

“Local police are working with us across the state to stop the illegal use of TennCare benefits,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said.  “As they try to eliminate prescription drug abuse in local communities, we’re trying to eliminate the incidence of TennCare being used to obtain drugs that are being sold or misused.”

If convicted, Green could be sentenced up to two years on the TennCare fraud charge, a Class E felony.  District Attorney Victor S. Johnson, III will be prosecuting this case.

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."