Henry County Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Henry County woman is accused of TennCare fraud for using the program to pay for a forged prescription for the addictive painkiller Hydrocodone.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of 35-year old Shelley LaGay Bucy of Paris, Tennessee. She has been indicted on one count of TennCare fraud for possession of Hydrocodone by forgery and using TennCare to pay for the prescription.

“Prescription drug abuse is a problem in communities across the state, but we’re taking TennCare off the table as a means of getting these drugs,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “We couldn’t be successful without the help and support of local law enforcement officials, medical providers and citizens who provide us with valuable information in our efforts to identify and prosecute TennCare fraud.”

District Attorney Hansel J. McCadams will prosecute the case. TennCare fraud is a Class E felony that carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

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 1,240 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."