White County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE � A White County woman is charged in Warren County with TennCare fraud for selling prescription drugs paid for by TennCare, the state’s public health insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Judy Evon McGlothen, 63, of Rock Island, after a joint investigation with the McMinnville Police Department.

McGlothen is charged with one count of TennCare fraud and one count of delivery of a Scheduled III controlled substance.  She’s accused of obtaining TennCare benefits by means of fraud, later selling a portion of her prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone.

“We are working with municipal and county police officers across the state, who are alert to local prescription drug fraud issues,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “Local police are clearly committed to eliminating prescription drug abuse, and we’re doing our part to stop abusers who are supporting this lifestyle with TennCare.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison, and delivery of a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony, punishable by two to four years in prison. District Attorney General Lisa S. Zavogiannis 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, nearly 1,500 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."