Tiffany V. Kaeppner
A Monroe County woman is charged in both McMinn and Monroe Counties with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, or using TennCare to go to multiple doctors in a short time period to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), assisted by sheriff’s officers in McMinn and Monroe counties, on Friday announced the arrest of Tiffany V. Kaeppner, 28, of Athens. She is charged in a McMinn County indictment with three counts of TennCare doctor shopping and three counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. After those charges were disposed of, she was transported to Monroe County, where she is accused of one count of the same charge.
“Prescription drug abuse is a problem the state is attacking from all fronts – doctors, pharmacists, law enforcement and citizens,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We’re committed to ensuring that TennCare benefits are used for legitimate healthcare concerns.”
TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Stephen Crump will be prosecuting both cases.
The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,293 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 log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig/ and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."