Dickson Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN - A Dickson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for selling prescription drugs that were paid for by the state’s healthcare insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Mona Darlene Ramey, 56, of Dickson, after a joint investigation with the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office.

Ramey is charged with TennCare fraud and four counts of sale of a Schedule II controlled substance in connection with using TennCare benefits to obtain a prescription for the painkiller Oxycodone while planning to unlawfully sell a portion of the prescription.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison years. District Attorney General Dan M. Alsobrooks 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 1,900 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."