Cathy Jackson
A Bradley County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, or using TennCare to go to multiple providers in a short time period to obtain prescriptions for a controlled substance.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Section, announced the arrest of Cathy Jean Jackson, 41, of Cleveland. She is charged with two counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance by doctor shopping. An indictment accuses her of doctor shopping for prescriptions for the strong painkillers Hydrocodone, Oxycodone and Roxicodone, obtaining multiple prescriptions of the drugs, and using TennCare benefits as payment.
“Doctor shopping for drugs was a way of life for some people – until the state implemented a law to prosecute this crime when TennCare is involved,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “Medical professionals across the state have been helping us crack down on people committing this crime.”
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 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, more than 2,538 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, or go to www.tn.gov/tnoig/ and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”