Fayette Co. Woman Charged With TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Fayette County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, which involves visiting multiple doctors in a short period of time to obtain prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Amber Marie Allen, 25, of Cordova. She is charged with two counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by doctor shopping. In addition, Allen is charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. 

“Tennessee communities are simply no longer tolerating the fraudulent misuse of prescription drugs, especially when TennCare is involved,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We are working closely with local law enforcement agencies and providers across the state to investigate and prosecute these types of crimes.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General D. Michael Dunavant is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,430 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."