Shelby Co. Woman Arrested for TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A woman charged with TennCare fraud is in custody after eluding authorities for six months. 

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with the assistance of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrest of Shalanda Grant, 33, of Memphis.

A Shelby County Grand Jury indicted Grant in October 2014 on nine counts of doctor shopping and one count of theft of property.  Doctor shopping involves visiting multiple providers in a short period of time in order to obtain prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment.    

"We´re cracking down on people using TennCare to finance their drug habit, “Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. "Local police and providers are committed to helping us eliminate prescription drug abuse, especially when TennCare is involved."

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Amy T. Weirich is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,335 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."