Rutherford Co. Resident Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN – A Rutherford County resident is charged with TennCare fraud for selling pain pills that were paid for by TennCare, the state’s healthcare insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), along with Smyrna Police Narcotics Officers, today announced the arrest of Glenna Haynes, 48, of Smyrna.  She is accused of using TennCare benefits to pay for a prescription of the painkiller Lortab with the intent of selling it.

"Local law enforcement officers are crucial to the OIG’s mission of investigating and arresting individuals who commit TennCare fraud," Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. "The OIG’s aggressive crack down to stop illegal prescription drug sales is a state wide effort."

Haynes was charged with one count of TennCare fraud which is a Class E felony that carries a sentence of up to two years in prison.  District Attorney General William C. Whitesell, Jr., will be 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."