Franklin Co. Woman Charged with Doctor Shopping for Drugs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Franklin County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, or using TennCare healthcare insurance to go to multiple doctors in a short time period to obtain controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Angela Shetters, 36, of Estill Springs.  She is charged with fraudulently obtaining TennCare controlled substance benefits to which she was not entitled by doctor shopping for the painkiller Hydrocodone.

"Our mission is to preserve the integrity of the TennCare program, and we intent to prosecute every case where we believe fraud is involved, especially in the area of prescription drugs," Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. "Providers and local officials have been incredibly helpful because they also want to stop prescription drug abuse in their communities."

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.   District Attorney General J. Michael Taylor 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."