Two Maury Co. Residents Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two people in Maury County are charged in separate cases with TennCare doctor shopping, or using the state’s Medicaid program to visit multiple doctors in an effort to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrests of Joshua L. Lindsey, 32, and Leslie Ann Pruitt, 31, both of Columbia.  Each of them is charged with doctor shopping for drugs, using TennCare as payment for the clinical visits, the prescriptions or both.

“The unauthorized use and abuse of prescription drugs is intolerable, especially when TennCare is involved,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We will continue to investigate and prosecute anyone who illegally uses the TennCare program, particularly as it relates to prescription drugs.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General Brent Cooper is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $5 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $176 million for TennCare, according to latest figures.  To date, 2,218 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."