Davidson Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN – A Davidson County woman is charged with selling drugs prescribed to her minor child, which had been obtained through TennCare, the state’s Medicaid healthcare insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from Metro Nashville Police, today announced the arrest of Sara Lynn White, 34, of Nashville.

White is charged with TennCare fraud and child neglect in an indictment accusing her of selling a portion of a drug prescribed for her minor child. The drug, Vyvanse, a stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, was obtained through TennCare benefits.

"Selling prescription drugs is illegal, and using TennCare to obtain drugs to sell will result in arrest and potential jail time," Acting Inspector General Robert White said. "Anyone who does this also risks having to make restitution to the state and losing the privilege of applying for TennCare in the future."

TennCare fraud and child neglect are both Class E felonies, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. 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, 2,127 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."