Hamilton Co. Woman Charged 3rd Time with TennCare Fraud

Thursday, March 19, 2015 | 12:00am

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Hamilton County woman is charged a third time with “doctor shopping,” which is the criminal use of TennCare benefits to obtain controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of 31-year old Melody Delong of Georgetown. She is charged in Hamilton County with three counts of fraudulently obtaining controlled substances by doctor shopping.  Charges accuse her of going to multiple physicians in a short period of time to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances, using TennCare as payment.  

Delong was arrested in late January in Sevier County when she was charged with doctor shopping and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.  Just three days before that, she was arrested in Rhea County on the same charges.  Investigations leading to those charges were underway at the same time with charges coming days apart.

“Crossing into another county to try to get prescription drugs does not prevent authorities from discovering the actions,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We will continue to go after these individuals every time they try to defraud TennCare.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General Neal Pinkston will be prosecuting the Hamilton County case.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, more than 2,304 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 Office of Inspector General and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."