Two People in West Tennessee Charged with TennCare Fraud

Tuesday, March 01, 2016 | 01:57pm

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two people in West Tennessee are charged with TennCare fraud, both involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrests, which were the result of separate investigations:

Jessica Kaminski, 37, of Memphis, charged with 14 counts of fraudulently obtaining controlled substances by doctor shopping, which involves going from doctor to doctor to obtain prescription drugs without revealing the activity to providers. District Attorney General Amy T. Weirich will prosecute the case.
Juanita S. Cunningham, 47, of Dyersburg, charged in Dyer County with three counts of using TennCare benefits to obtain Hydrocodone, also by doctor shopping for the drug. District Attorney General Phillip Bivens is prosecuting the case.

“Law enforcement, providers and communities across Tennessee are working hard with us to eradicate drug fraud, especially in the TennCare program,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “This activity is happening in every county in the state, but we are intent on prosecuting every case where we determine there is fraudulent activity.”

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

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 2,550 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.”