Hamilton County Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN - A Hamilton County woman is charged with trying to use the state’s public healthcare insurance program to pay for a forged prescription.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Detrice Ann Moon, 42, of Chattanooga.  Moon’s arrest was assisted by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.

A Hamilton County Grand Jury indicted Moon on one count of TennCare fraud and one count of attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud.  The indictment accuses her of altering a doctor’s prescription by adding the painkiller Lortab to the prescription, and attempting to use TennCare to pay for the drugs.

“Prescription drug fraud takes many forms such as altering a prescription to increase the quantity or adding an additional drug,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “Medical providers across Tennessee are keeping a watchful eye for this type of activity and working with law enforcement to stop it.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison, and attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony, punishable by two to four years in prison. District Attorney General William H. Cox is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, nearly 1,500 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."