A Rhea County woman is charged a second time with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping for drugs, using TennCare as payment.
The Office of Inspector General announced on Wednesday the arrest of Dottie Oliver, 28, of Dayton. She is charged in McMinn County with fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by doctor shopping. Ms. Oliver was being held in the Rhea County Jail on unrelated charges, and was later transported to McMinn County, where she was served with the current charges.
Ms.
Oliver was arrested earlier this month in Rhea County, when she was charged with four counts of doctor shopping. The McMinn County investigation was underway at the same time.
“Our continuing mission is to help prevent fraud and abuse of the TennCare prescription drug program,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We will attempt to do so by vigorously prosecuting anyone who abuses or attempts to abuse the program.”
TennCare fraud is a class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Stephen Crump 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, 2,432 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.