Davidson County Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Davidson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in nearby Rutherford County involving fraudulent prescriptions and using TennCare to pay for them.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), along with Murfreesboro and Rutherford County officers, today announced the arrest of Theresa Moore, 25, of Nashville.  She is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud, five counts of identity theft, and five counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.  Charges accuse her of using forged prescriptions to obtain the pain medications Lortab and Tramadol, both of which were paid for using TennCare benefits.  

“The abuse of TennCare benefits, especially to obtain pain medications, is our number one priority,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “Local police, providers and the healthcare community are with us in the effort to weed this problem out of the TennCare program.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and identity theft both are Class D felonies that carries a sentence of up to four years in prison per charge. District Attorney General William C. Whitesell, Jr. 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, over 1,700 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."