Hamblen Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Hamblen County woman is charged with TennCare drug fraud in nearby Cocke County.  This arrest brings the total number of people arrested for TennCare fraud to 2,300 since the Office of Inspector General (OIG) began investigating and pursuing this criminal activity.

The OIG, with the assistance of Newport police and Cocke County Sheriff’s Officers, today announced the arrest of Jennifer D. White, 32, of Morristown.  A Cocke County Grand Jury charged White with two counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance by doctor shopping.  She’s accused of seeing multiple physicians within a short time period in an effort to receive prescriptions for controlled substances, using TennCare as payment.

“We hope those that are abusing the TennCare program are getting the message that we are aggressively pursuing TennCare fraud and making arrests statewide,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We made 22 arrests last month and we have many more cases in the pipeline.”

District Attorney General James Dunn will prosecute. If convicted, White could serve up to two years per charge for the TennCare fraud charges, which is a Class E felony.

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, 2,300 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."