McMinn Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A McMinn County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with selling prescription drugs she obtained using TennCare benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Emma Martin, 51, of Philadelphia. She is charged with using TennCare to obtain the painkiller Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, as well as the anti-anxiety medication  Xanax, which is a Schedule IV controlled substance. Authorities say on two separate occasions she sold a portion of the drugs during an undercover police investigation.

“It’s a matter of public safety,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “When prescriptions hit the streets, it puts our children, our most vulnerable Tennesseans, at risk.”

District Attorney General Stephen D. Crump 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, 3,113 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/oig/ and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”