Davidson County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Davidson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping - which is visiting multiple doctors in a short period of time to obtain prescription drugs and using TennCare as payment.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of Metro Nashville police, today announced the arrest of Sherry Dawn White, 40, of Hermitage.  She is charged with four counts of doctor shopping for the painkillers Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and codeine, using TennCare healthcare insurance benefits as payment.

"Doctor shopping and using TennCare as payment is a big mistake because state tax dollars are being used to pay for drugs intended for distribution or abuse,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We appreciate and value the hard work of the healthcare providers across the state and their efforts in helping us develop these cases.” 

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Glenn R. Funk 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, 2,372 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."