Wayne County Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Wayne County woman is charged in Davidson County on a warrant for selling prescription drugs paid for by TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Cindy E. Massa, 46, of Clifton, arrested after a joint investigation with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

Massa is charged with filling a prescription for the painkiller oxycodone and selling a portion of the drugs to a police informant.  Both the physician’s visit and the prescription were paid for by TennCare.

“Local police, providers and pharmacists as well as communities and citizens are all committed to eliminating prescription drug abuse in TennCare,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “People who commit this crime are finding out they’re on the losing end of the battle.”

If convicted, the TennCare fraud charge against Massa could result in a two-year sentence.  District Attorney General Victor S. Johnson, III is prosecuting.

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 1,100 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."