Tennessee officials have arrested more people on charges of TennCare fraud.
According to a press release, authorities with the Office of Inspector General and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office charged a Loudon County woman in Knox County with doctor shopping for prescription drugs and using TennCare as payment for the pills.
Authorities arrested April L. Finger, 45, of Loudon (pictured, right).
“An investigation led to the identification of five different instances in which Ms. Finger failed to disclose to her medical providers that she had been receiving prescriptions for the painkillers hydrocodone and Tramadol from other providers, using TennCare as payment,” according to a press release.
“A review by the Knox County District Attorney’s Office led to criminal charges for three counts of TennCare fraud.”
District Attorney General Charme P. Allen is prosecuting, according to the press release.
OIG officials along with members of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office this week announced the arrest of Jamie M. Frisell, 51, of Greenback (not pictured).
Authorities charged the Blount County woman with TennCare fraud and theft of services more than $60,000.
“Authorities say she falsely reported her income and marital status for the purpose of enrolling in the taxpayer-funded insurance program,” according to a press release.
“Had she reported correct information, she would not have been eligible for TennCare.”
District Attorney General Mike Flynn is prosecuting, the press release said.
OIG officials and members of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a Williamson County woman and charged her with using TennCare to obtain the painkiller Hydrocodone and the anti-anxiety medication Alprazolam.
Authorities released the woman’s name as Jennifer D. Dishman, 35, of Franklin (pictured, left).
On four separate occasions, she allegedly sold a portion of the drugs to a confidential informant, according to a press release.
District Attorney General Kim Helper is prosecuting, according to a press release.
The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 3,096 people have been charged with TennCare fraud, according to a press release.
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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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
Surely there is no fraud taking place in TennCare!!
All it really needs is more of of our tax dollars to waste!!