Gibson Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Doctor Shopping

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Gibson County woman is charged with doctor shopping for drugs, using TennCare as payment.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from the Gibson County Sheriff’s Department, today announced the arrest of Tammy Buckner, 36, of Humboldt.  She’s charged in an indictment with fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by doctor shopping, or going to multiple doctors in a short period of time to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances, using TennCare to pay for the office visits, prescriptions or both.

“The unauthorized use and abuse of prescription drugs is a serious crime," Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “Communities across the state are committed to helping us bring people to justice when tax dollars are used to obtain prescription drugs to sell to others.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Garry Brown 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, 2,227 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."