Davidson Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

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

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from Metro Nashville Police, today announced the arrest of Sandra Larraine Marchant-Macias, also known as Sandra L. Agee, 23, of Nashville.

A three-count indictment accuses Marchant-Macias of altering two legitimate prescriptions, for Adderall and Xanax, which are anti-anxiety medications, and attempting to use TennCare benefits to pay for the forgeries.  She has been charged with TennCare fraud and forgery.

“The Office of Inspector General is working with local police and medical providers to help us get this kind of activity out of the TennCare program,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “We are committed to eliminating the incidence of people fraudulently obtaining drugs and letting TennCare pick up the tab.”

TennCare fraud and forgery are both Class E felonies 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, 2,054 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."