Tipton Co. Woman Charged 2nd Time with TennCare Drug Fraud

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

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Officers, today announced the arrest of Regina Cay Winchester, 55, of Ripley. An indictment accuses her of doctor shopping and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, using to pay for either the clinical visits or the prescriptions.

Winchester was first arrested March 22 when she was charged in Tipton County with two counts of doctor shopping for drugs. The case is still awaiting a court date in Tipton County.

“Doctor shopping to obtain prescription drugs and using TennCare benefits to pay for such narcotics is simply not tolerated,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “Physicians and pharmacists across the state are helping us combat this type of activity.”

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, 2,646 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.”