Residents of Davidson, Morgan Counties Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – Two people from Davidson and Morgan counties are charged in separate cases with fraud involving the TennCare Program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrests:

• Rebecca Stricklan, 30, of Rockwood, who is charged in Morgan County wth two counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance by “doctor shopping.” Stricklan failed to disclose to her doctor that she had seen other physicians within a 30-day period and received prescriptions for the strong painkiller Oxycodone, with the physician office visits being paid for by TennCare.
• Hardis Lee Sullivan, 55, of Nashville, is charged in an arrest warrant with TennCare fraud for using his TennCare benefits to obtain the painkiller Hydrocodone and later selling a portion of the pills to a confidential informant.

“People who are committing TennCare fraud are taking something they’re not entitled to, and they’re taking it from all the taxpayers of Tennessee,” said Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner.  General Faulkner added, “If you commit fraud against the TennCare program, we will arrest and prosecute you for it.”

The TennCare fraud charges against both Stricklin and Sullivan could result in a two year sentence, if convicted. District Attorney General Victor S. “Torry” Johnson, III, will be prosecuting Sullivan and District Attorney General Russell Johnson will be prosecuting Stricklan.

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 1,240 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."