COOKEVILLE WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE, TN – A Cookeville woman is charged with TennCare fraud related to prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), an agency separate from TennCare, today announced the arrest of Padra J. West, 35, of Cookeville. An indictment accuses her of presenting a local pharmacy a forged prescription for the painkiller Lortab, a brand version of Hydrocodone. She’s accused of using her TennCare benefits to pay for the fraudulent prescription.

“The fraudulent use of TennCare pharmacy benefits is a serious problem in local communities in Tennessee, but we’re cracking down on these cases,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “Crucial to our success is the cooperation of local healthcare providers and local law enforcement agencies.”

Assistant District Attorney General Beth Willis will be prosecuting. If convicted West could serve up to two years in prison.

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 log on to www.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read “Report Fraud Now.”