Davidson Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN – A Davidson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for selling prescription drugs paid for by the state’s Medicaid program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Laurie Felice Levine, 51, of Nashville, after a joint investigation with Metro Nashville Police. She is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud in connection with using TennCare benefits to obtain prescriptions for the painkillers Oxymorphone and Oxycodone, later selling a portion of the prescriptions.

“We have zero tolerance for people who use TennCare to support prescription drug abuse or selling controlled substances to other people,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “Local law enforcement agencies are working hard in their communities to help us in the war against TennCare fraud.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Victor S. Johnson, III is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 2,000 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."