Robertson Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After being on the run for six months, a Robertson County woman is charged in Davidson County for fraudulently obtaining controlled substances by doctor shopping, which involves using TennCare to obtain prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Metro Nashville Police Department, today announced the arrest of Stephanie L. Tull, also known as Stephanie R. Hall, 38, of Springfield.

A Davidson County Grand Jury indicted Tull in August of last year for fraudulently using TennCare to go to multiple providers in a short period of time in order to obtain prescriptions for the painkiller Oxycodone.

“Taxpayer dollars should be spent only on legitimate medical services,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We are working closely with local law enforcement agencies and medical providers to investigate and prosecute these types of crimes.”

District Attorney General Glenn R. Funk is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is now 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, 2,799 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 visit the website and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”