KNOX CO. WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE PRESCRIPTION FRAUD

NASHVILLE – Tennessee’s Office of Inspector General has charged a Knox County resident with TennCare fraud for using TennCare to get forged prescriptions filled at local pharmacies. 

Kimberly Webb, 33, of Powell, Tennessee, was indicted on three counts of unlawfully and knowingly obtaining the painkillers Oxycontin and Percocet as well as Valium, an anti-depressant, and she was also charged with attempting to obtain medical assistance through fraudulent means.

“This is a great example of pharmacy employees who were alert to the tactics some people will use to obtain prescription painkillers,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “Tennessee pharmacies are becoming more aware of certain aspects of TennCare fraud and we depend on them to help us identify these cases so we can arrest and prosecute people who are doing this.”

If convicted Webb could be sentenced up to six years in prison on the charges, which are Class D and Class E felonies.  District Attorney General Randall E. Nichols is prosecuting. 

Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to www.tennessee.gov/tenncare and follow the prompts that read “Report Fraud Now.”