Sullivan Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN – A Sullivan County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for using the state Medicaid program to obtain prescription drugs, which she later apparently sold.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Randee Marie Moore, 27, of Bristol, after a joint investigation with the Bristol Police Department.

Moore was indicted on three counts of TennCare fraud, four counts of sale of a controlled substance and four counts for delivery of a controlled substance.  Moore unlawfully and intentionally sold and delivered Buprenorphine, a Schedule III controlled substance, obtained through TennCare on three separate occasions.  Buprenorphone is used to treat people who are addicted to heroin and other narcotics by producing similar results without addictive qualities.

“This is another example of local law enforcement working with the OIG to help stop TennCare fraud,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “It is critical that law enforcement personnel do all we can to stop the abuse of this important program and to work towards eliminating prescription drug abuse.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison, and sale and delivery of a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony, punishable by two to four years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Barry P. Staubus 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."