Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Another Wayne County Woman Charged With TennCare Drug Fraud
A Wayne County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for selling prescription drugs paid for by TennCare.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Tammy L. Grooms, 39, of Clifton, after a joint investigation with the Clifton Police Department.
Grooms is charged with one count of TennCare fraud. She is accused of filling a prescription for the painkiller Lortab, which was paid for by TennCare, then selling a portion of the pills.
“TennCare is an important public healthcare insurance program, and it’s equally important that we preserve TennCare funding for legitimate healthcare treatment,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “People who are trying to abuse or sell prescription drugs paid for by TennCare, plain and simple, are going to be caught and prosecuted.”
The TennCare fraud charge against Grooms could result in a two year sentence, if convicted. District Attorney Mike Bottoms is prosecuting.
The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $171 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures. To date, over 1,100 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."
.
