Mother, Daughter in Unicoi County Charged with TennCare Fraud
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A mother and daughter from Unicoi County are accused of selling drugs that were obtained using TennCare, the state’s healthcare insurance program.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Kimberly Humphreys, 42, and Courtney Bailey, 26, both of Erwin. These arrests were the result of a joint effort with the 1st Judicial Drug Task Force.
Kimberly Humphreys is charged with TennCare fraud and sale of a Scheduled IV controlled substance in charges accusing her of selling the painkiller Hydrocodone, which was obtained using TennCare. Her daughter, Courtney Bailey, is charged with TennCare fraud and sale of controlled substance for aiding and abetting her mother in the sale of the Hydrocodone to a confidential informant.
“Illegal sale of prescription drugs is a problem across the nation and Tennessee is no different,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “But people who participate in selling drugs paid for by TennCare and those who buy them should understand these are crimes we intend to prosecute.”
TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. Sale or delivery of a controlled substance is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison. District Attorney General Anthony Clark 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, 2,222 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."