Warren Co. Woman Charged for 2nd Time in TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Warren County woman is charged with TennCare prescription drug fraud for the second time in less than a month.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Corinna Padgett, 41, of McMinnville. The arrest was assisted by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

Padgett is accused of using TennCare benefits to access doctor appointments on two separate occasions, receiving prescriptions for the painkiller Hydrocodone while not revealing that she planned to sell a portion of the drug.

Padgett was charged earlier this month in Franklin County, when she was accused of selling the stimulant Phentermine, a diet pill, and having TennCare pay for the medication. She’s facing one count of TennCare fraud in that case.

“We do not tolerate TennCare fraud, especially when people are subsidizing a criminal lifestyle with taxpayer funds,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “We are committed to tracking these offenders down and pressing charges.” 

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General James Michael Taylor 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 1,130 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