Wilson County Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE -- A Wilson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for attempting to use the program to pay for a fraudulent prescription.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Brittany K. Grisham, 26, of Lebanon, who is accused of one count of TennCare fraud.

An indictment accuses Grisham of acting under the authority of a doctor and calling in a prescription to a pharmacy in Lebanon to obtain the addictive painkiller hydrocodone, and attempting to have TennCare pay for the fraudulent prescription.

“Health care providers no longer tolerate people trying to get prescription drugs by illegal means, especially when public dollars are involved,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “Physicians, pharmacies and local police are working with us to eliminate this activity.”

Penalties for the charges against Carroll include up to two years for the TennCare fraud charge.  District Attorney General Tom P. Thompson is prosecuting.

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 $165 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 920 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."