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

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Tipton County woman is charged with doctor shopping for prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment. It’s her second round of TennCare fraud charges this year.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Brenda Lundy, also known as Brenda Chapman, 56, of Munford. A Tipton County Grand Jury indictment accuses Lundy of two counts of fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance by doctor shopping, which involves going to multiple doctors in a short time period to obtain prescription drugs. Lundy is accused of doctor shopping for the painkiller Hydrocodone and Carisoprodol, a muscle relaxer, using TennCare as payment.  

Lundy was first arrested in February when she was charged in Shelby County with three counts of TennCare fraud by doctor shopping for the painkillers Hydrocodone and Oxycodone and theft of property.  

“Obtaining prescription drugs illegally utilizing TennCare benefits will not be tolerated,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “We appreciate the collaborative efforts of the local law enforcement agencies and healthcare providers across the state working together to fight the opioid epidemic in Tennessee.”

District Attorney General Mark Davidson is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison per charge.

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, 2,971 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 log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig/ and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”