Rutherford County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Rutherford County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Alexis N. Sanders, 21, of Murfreesboro. She is charged in Rutherford County with three counts of using TennCare to fraudulently obtain a controlled substance by doctor shopping, which involves going to multiple doctors in a short period of time in order to obtain prescription drugs.

“Prescription drug abuse is an epidemic that law enforcement, providers and communities are working to eliminate, especially when public dollars are involved,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We are working with investigators, pharmacists and doctors across the state to stop this activity in TennCare..”

District Attorney General Jennings H. Jones is prosecuting this case.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. 

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, more than 2,549 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 www.tn.gov/tnoig/  and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”