Davidson County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Davidson County woman is charged in Marshall County with doctor shopping for prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from Metro Nashville Police and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, today announced the arrest of Tabbitha Sharp, 27, of Nashville. She is charged by a Marshall County Grand Jury with fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance by going to multiple doctors in a short period of time to obtain controlled substances. The physician office visits, prescriptions or both were paid for by TennCare.

“Our mission is to preserve the integrity of TennCare by preventing fraud and abuse of the program, especially in the area of prescription drugs,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “Local officials have been incredibly helpful because they also want to stop prescription drug abuse in their communities.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Robert Carter 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, 2,504 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 go to https://www.tn.gov/tnoig.