Two People in Rhea Co. Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Two people in Rhea County are charged separately with TennCare fraud in cases involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrests of Dana Trantham, 34, of Spring City and Troy Jones, 37, of Dayton.

Trantham is charged with TennCare fraud and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud in an indictment accusing him of altering a valid prescription for the narcotic Norco, which is a form of the painkiller Hydrocodone, by changing the quantity of pills prescribed, using TennCare benefits to pay for the pills.

Jones is charged with three counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain the painkillers Hydrocodone and Oxycodone by doctor shopping, which involves going to multiple doctors in a short period of time to obtain the same or similar prescription drugs.

“Prescription drug fraud is a significant burden on the health care system and on communities across the state,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We’re committed to eliminating this crime in the TennCare program, and local police and providers across the state are working with us in the effort.”

District Attorney General J. Michael Taylor is prosecuting. As of July 1, 2016, TennCare fraud is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison.

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, 2,782 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or visit the website and follow prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”