TENNCARE FRAUD ARRESTS: OVERTON, JEFFERSON COUNTIES

NASHVILLE, TN - Residents of Overton and Jefferson Counties have been charged with felony counts of TennCare fraud.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), an agency separate from TennCare, today announced the arrests, which are unrelated but both involving prescription drug fraud. Billy S. Sells, Jr., 27, of Overton County is accused of seeking medical attention in order to obtain prescription drugs for resale, with TennCare picking up the bill. The drugs involved were the painkiller Tramadol (TRA ma dole) as well as the anti-anxiety medications Xanax and Lexapro. His arrest was coordinated with the Overton County Sheriff's Department. Acting District Attorney Anthony J. Craighead will prosecute with possible criminal penalties ranging from one to two years in prison.

In the other case, Heather N. Ramsey, 18, of Cosby, faces one count of TennCare fraud. She is accused of attempting to obtain a prescription for the painkiller Lortab and pay for the drug with TennCare. District Attorney James Dunn is prosecuting. Criminal penalties for the charge range from one to two years.

"People who are trying to get prescription drugs either for personal use or resale are getting the message that TennCare is not going to subsidize their business or their habit," Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.

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."