Cheatham Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Cheatham County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with selling prescription drugs she obtained using the state’s healthcare insurance plan benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Bridget Renee Mabry, 51, of Ashland City after a joint investigation with the 23rd Judicial Drug Task Force. She is charged with TennCare fraud and sale of Schedule II controlled substances.

An indictment says Mabry used TennCare benefits to pay for the doctor’s office visits in which she obtained prescriptions for and then sold portions of the drugs to an informant. The medications involved were Adderall, which is a stimulant, Clonazepam, which is a sedative and Methadone, a narcotic that reduces withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to heroin or similar drugs.

“We’re cracking down on people using TennCare to finance their drug habit or provide a way for users to put the drugs on the street for other drug seekers to purchase illegally,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “Local police and providers are committed to helping us eliminate prescription drug abuse, especially when TennCare is involved.”

District Attorney General W. Ray Crough, Jr., is prosecuting.  As of July 1, 2016, TennCare fraud was changed to a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison.

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, 2,722 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.”