Davidson Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE - A Davidson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud, with an arrest warrant accusing her of altering a prescription and using TennCare to pay for the drug.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of 26-year-old Angela Arnold of Nashville.  Arnold was arrested after a joint investigation with Metro Nashville Police.

Charges against Arnold say her physician prescribed the painkiller Lortab, but she added to the prescription by increasing the dosage of the drug. Arnold presented the altered prescription to a local pharmacy, using TennCare to pay for the drugs. She was arrested at the drive thru window while picking up the prescription.

“We’ve worked hard with pharmacies across the state to help them help us in the war against TennCare drug fraud,” said Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner.  “Every individual arrest represents one less person on the streets reselling these drugs to anyone who will buy them.”

The TennCare fraud charge against Arnold could result in a two year sentence, if convicted. District Attorney General Victor S. Johnson, III “Torry” 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 1,400 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."