Davidson County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE - A Davidson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Latonya D. Rodgers, 41, of Madison.  The arrest was assisted by Metro Nashville Police.

A Davidson County Grand Jury indicted Rodgers on two counts of TennCare fraud and two counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.  On two separate occasions Rodgers allegedly used her TennCare to pay for the painkiller Hydrocodone which had been obtained by means of forgery.

“Pharmacies are alert to the lengths some will go to in order to obtain prescription painkillers,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “Committing fraud in order to get the pills might seem easy, but the reality is most pharmacists will catch it when something’s not right about a prescription.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony that carries a sentence of up to four years in prison per charge. District Attorney Victor “Tory” S. Johnson is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,380 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."