Cannon County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Cannon County woman is charged for a second time with TennCare fraud involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from the Cannon County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Taylor R. Cantrell, 24, of Readyville. She is charged in Coffee County with two counts of fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance by doctor shopping or going to several providers in a short time period to obtain controlled substances and using TennCare as payment.

Cantrell was just arrested in March on an indictment in Warren County charging her with four counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by doctor shopping.

“When individuals doctor shop and use TennCare as a payment, state dollars are being used to pay for drugs intended for distribution or abuse," Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. "We appreciate and value the hard work of the healthcare providers and local law enforcement agencies across the state and their efforts in helping us develop these cases."

The TennCare fraud charges against Cantrell could result in a two year sentence per count, if convicted. District Attorney General Craig Northcutt will be prosecuting the Coffee 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, 2,366 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."