Williamson Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

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

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Samantha Solomon, also known as Samantha Castro, 34, of Nolensville.

Castro is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud by doctor shopping for the painkiller Hydrocodone, using the state’s healthcare insurance program as payment. An indictment accuses her of visiting multiple providers within a short time period to obtain the controlled substances.

"TennCare benefits are reserved for those truly in need and should never be used to illegally obtain prescription drugs,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “The Office of Inspector General appreciates the collaborative efforts of local law enforcement agencies in battling the opioid crisis in Tennessee and TennCare fraud.”

District Attorney General Kim R. Helper 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, 2,972 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.”