Giles County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Giles County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for attempting to use her TennCare to pay for a fraudulent prescription for a painkiller.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with assistance from the Giles County Sheriff and Pulaski Police today announced the arrest of Kelli D. McDougal Allen, 38, of Pulaski.  Allen was indicted by a Giles County Grand Jury and charged with one count of TennCare fraud for willfully presenting a forged prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone and attempting to use TennCare benefits to pay for the forged prescription.

“We have focused a lot of resources on prescription drug fraud in TennCare, because Tennesseans want to see these drugs off the street and out of the hands of people who are abusing them “We are committed to finding and pursuing all cases involving fraudulently-obtained prescriptions.”

The TennCare fraud charge against Allen could result in a two year sentence, if convicted. District Attorney General Mike Bottoms 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."