Davidson County Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Davidson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in nearby Rutherford County in a case involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Jennifer R. Love, 27, of Antioch, who was arrested on a warrant and charged with one count of TennCare fraud. 

Love is accused of posing as an employee of a doctor’s office and calling in a prescription to a pharmacy in Lavergne to obtain the addictive painkiller Lortab.   She had TennCare pay for the fraudulent prescription.

“We are working with local police and providers to help us get this kind of activity out of the TennCare program,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “We’re committed to eliminating the incidence of people fraudulently obtaining drugs and letting TennCare pick up the tab, especially when it involves powerful medications.”

District Attorney General William Whitesell, Jr. will prosecute. If convicted, Love could serve up to two years for the TennCare fraud which is a Class E felony.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $171 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,050 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."