Tipton Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Tipton County woman is charged with TennCare Fraud involving doctor shopping, or using TennCare to go to multiple providers in a short time period to obtain controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Regina Cay Winchester, 55, of Ripley. She is charged with two counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by visiting multiple doctors in a 30-day period to obtain prescription drugs, with the clinical visits and/or prescriptions being paid for by TennCare.

“Doctor shopping and using TennCare as payment is a big mistake, because state tax dollars are being used to pay for drugs intended for resale or abuse,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We appreciate and value the hard work of the healthcare providers across the state and their efforts in helping us develop these cases.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Michael Dunavant 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, more than 2,563 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 www.tn.gov/tnoig/ and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”