Two Mid-State Residents Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE – Two mid-state residents are charged in separate cases with TennCare fraud involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Constance Porter, 44, of Hartsville and 33-year old Adam Combs, of Lewisburg.  The arrests were assisted by the 15th Judicial Drug Task Force and the Giles County Sheriff’s Office. 

Porter is charged in a Trousdale County indictment with one count of TennCare fraud for obtaining TennCare benefits by means of willful false statement and concealment of material facts in order to obtain medical assistance benefits she was not entitled to.

Combs is charged in Maury County with one count of TennCare fraud for using TennCare benefits to obtain a prescription for Alprazolam, an anti-anxiety medication also known as Xanax, while planning to sell a portion of the prescription.

“Prescription drug fraud is a crime we can definitely stop, and the Office of Inspector General will continue to aggressively pursue TennCare members who commit this crime,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “Local law enforcement officers feel the same way we do – TennCare fraud is unacceptable and will be stopped.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Tom P. Thompson will prosecute the Trousdale County case and District Attorney General Mike Bottoms will prosecute the Maury County case.

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, over 1,600 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."