Davidson Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN – A Davidson County woman is charged with presenting a forged prescription and using TennCare healthcare insurance benefits to pay for the forgery.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Ashley C. Alexander, 26, of Nashville.  Alexander was arrested after a joint investigation with Metro Nashville Police.

The arrest warrant charges Alexander with presenting a forged prescription to a Walgreen’s pharmacy for the painkiller Oxycodone with the prescription being paid for by TennCare.

“Local police as well as providers are clearly committed to eliminating prescription drug abuse,“ Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said.  “We are doing our part to stop abusers who are supporting a criminal lifestyle with TennCare.”

If convicted, the TennCare fraud charge against Alexander could result in a two-year sentence.  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."