Shelby Co. Woman Charged With TennCare Drug Fraud

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

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Olga Martinez, 33, of Memphis. She is charged with four counts of doctor shopping, with the clinical visits or the prescriptions being paid for with TennCare benefits.  In addition, Martinez was charged with theft of property.

“This is an ongoing battle with people defrauding TennCare for their drugs and it’s a battle we will continue to fight.”  Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We are sending out a message across the state that the citizens of Tennessee have set forth a zero tolerance policy for TennCare fraud and abuse, and we’re aggressively enforcing it.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  Theft of property over $1,000 is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison.  District Attorney General Amy T. Weirich 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."