Gibson County Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Gibson County woman is charged in an indictment with TennCare fraud involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office and the Milan Police Department, today announced the arrest of Felicia Bardwell, 35, of Milan. She is charged in the indictment with fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance by doctor shopping, which involves going to multiple doctors in a short period of time to obtain controlled substances.

“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 this effort.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Garry Brown will prosecute 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, 2,627 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.”