Warren Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Warren County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for using the state’s healthcare insurance program to pay for fraudulent prescriptions.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Jacqueline Rose Yates, 30, of McMinnville.  She is charged with TennCare fraud and two counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.  Charges accuse her of presenting fraudulent prescriptions for the painkiller Oxycodone and Adderall, a stimulant, using TennCare benefits to pay for the forgeries.

"We are becoming increasingly proactive in our investigations," Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. "The Warren County Sheriff´s Office is one of many state law enforcement agencies contributing to our aggressive effort to thwart TennCare fraud."

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General Lisa S. Zavogiannis 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, 2,235 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."