Davidson Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Davidson County woman is charged with doctor shopping for prescription painkillers, using TennCare as payment for the drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of Metro Nashville Police, today announced the arrest of Brittany R. Martin, 31, of Nashville. She is charged with four counts of TennCare fraud by doctor shopping for the painkiller hydrocodone, which involves using TennCare to visit multiple doctors within a 30-day period in order to obtain prescription drugs from each provider.

“Tennessee has been wise to pass laws and establish the authority to pursue people who are using TennCare to doctor shopping for drugs, whether it’s for personal abuse or with the intent of distribution,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We are committed to finding and prosecuting TennCare fraud, especially when opioids are involved.”

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, 2,943 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 800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or visit the website and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”