Monroe Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A Monroe County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in nearby McMinn County, in connection with prescription drug fraud.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Sherry D. Walker, 45, of Tellico Plains. She is charged in McMinn County with seven counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by doctor shopping, which involves going to multiple doctors in a 30-day period to obtain prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment. She’s also charged with seven counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.

“Physicians and other providers have eagerly responded to our efforts to crack down on people who doctor shop within the TennCare program,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “Tennesseans are fortunate to have this tool we can use against fraud in our public health insurance program.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Stephen D. Crump 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, 2,613 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 log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig/ and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”