Coffee County Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

COFFEE CO. WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A Coffee County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for selling prescription drugs paid for by TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with help from officers of the Coffee County Sheriff and Manchester Police, today announced the arrest of Frances Faye Wise, 67 of Manchester. The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Manchester Police Department.

Wise is charged with TennCare Fraud in connection with obtaining a prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone, which was paid for by TennCare, and later selling a portion of the prescription for financial gain.

“The Manchester Police Department laid the groundwork for this case and asked for assistance, and that’s the kind of cooperation we’re building statewide,” Acting Inspector General Lawrence S. Saylor, Jr., said. “Local officers are usually the first point of contact with those who are committing TennCare fraud, and they want to get it off the streets as badly as we do.”

District Attorney General Craig Northcutt will prosecute. If convicted, Wise could serve up to two years for the TennCare fraud which is a Class E felony. 

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 TennCare, according to latest figures.  To date, 2,173 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."