Monroe County Woman Charged With TennCare Drug Fraud

 NASHVILLE – A Monroe County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for altering a prescription for a strong pain medication and attempting to have TennCare pay for it.  

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced today that 24-year old Brandi R. Moses of Sweetwater has been charged with TennCare fraud, for attempting to use TennCare to pay for a fraudulent prescription for the painkiller Lortab.  The charge against Moses stems from the allegation she presented a forged prescription for the painkiller, a controlled substance, to a Sweetwater, in December of last year.

“Prescription drug fraud is a problem in many areas – but because of the quick action taken by the pharmacist in this case, law enforcement was able to act swiftly and stop this crime before it was completed,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said.  “Pharmacists and their employees are crucial to our war against prescription drug fraud in TennCare.”

If convicted, Moses could be sentenced up to two years on the TennCare fraud charge, a class E felony.  District Attorney General R. Steven Bebb will be prosecuting this case.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.6 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $159 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.

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.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."