Lawrenceburg Now

Monday, July 19, 2010

Giles County Woman Charged With TennCare Fraud

A Giles County woman is charged after attempting to fill a forged prescription for an addictive painkiller.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Shauna Leary, 22, of Ardmore.  Leary’s arrest was assisted by the Giles County Sheriff’s Office. 

She is charged with one count of TennCare fraud for presenting a forged prescription for the painkiller Lortab, attempting to pay for it with TennCare benefits.

“We are working diligently to stop the abuse of the TennCare program, especially in the area of prescription drugs,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “We are pursuing prescription cases across the state and plan to prosecute anyone and everyone we find to be abusing TennCare.”

Illegally obtaining TennCare medical benefits is a Class E felony that carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison.  District Attorney Mike Bottoms will prosecute this case.

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 1,240 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."

 

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