Maury Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Maury County woman is charged in nearby Williamson County with doctor shopping for prescription drugs, using TennCare healthcare insurance benefits as payment for the pills.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Ashley M. Craig, 31, of Columbia. She is charged with TennCare fraud by doctor shopping for the painkiller Oxycodone. Doctor shopping is when a person visits several doctors in a short period of time to obtain prescription drugs from each of them.

“We are determined to prevent TennCare dollars from being used to illegally obtain prescription drugs and from contributing to the opioid epidemic in Tennessee,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said.  “We appreciate the hard work of the local law enforcement agencies and the providers that bring these cases to our attention.”

District Attorney General Kim R. Helper is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is 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, 2,950 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.”