Carmen Giles
Two people in Hamilton County are charged with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, or using the state’s Medicaid program to visit multiple providers in an effort to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, on Tuesday announced the arrest of Genora Manning, 32, of Ocoee, and Carmen Chauntay Giles, 36, of Chattanooga.
They are each charged with using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by doctor shopping. Manning was receiving prescriptions for the painkillers Hydrocodone and Tramadol and Giles was receiving the painkillers Percocet and Hydrocodone. Both are accused of using TennCare as payment for the clinical visits, the prescriptions or both.
“Tennessee consistently ranks high among states for prescription drug use,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “While many people legitimately need these drugs from time to time, we’re committed to eliminating the incidence of people fraudulently obtaining drugs and letting TennCare pick up the tab.”
TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Neal Pinkston is prosecuting.
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, 2,485 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 800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or go to http://www.tn.gov/finance/topic/fa-oig.
Genora Manning