Patricia Marsh
A Bradley County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in two counties, with both incidents involving prescription drugs.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from Sheriff’s officers in Bradley and Hamilton Counties, announced the arrest of Patricia J. Marsh, 29, of Cleveland.
She is charged in Bradley County with five counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance by doctor shopping. Upon making bond, she was transported to the Hamilton County Jail, where she was served with four counts of doctor shopping. The charges are related to visiting multiple doctors in a short period of time to obtain prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment.
“Prescription drug is a problem across the country, but we have strong laws in Tennessee to combat this problem in the state’s healthcare insurance program,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “The Legislature has given us many tools to go after this problem to protect public dollars and the TennCare program.”
TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Stephen D. Crump will be prosecuting the Bradley County case. District Attorney General Neal Pinkston is prosecuting the Hamilton County case.
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, 2,335 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."