Bedford County woman accused of TennCare fraud

A Bedford County woman was charged Friday with TennCare fraud related to prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced that Kimberly A. Rollins, 36, has been charged with two counts of TennCare fraud for the fraudulent use of TennCare to pay for prescriptions for the painkiller Lortab and the anti-anxiety medication Xanax.

Tullahoma police and the Bedford County Sheriff's Department assisted with the arrests, the OIG said.

"We are working with local law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Tennessee to stop prescription fraud as it relates to the TennCare program," Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. "We are solidly focused on weeding this criminal abuse out of TennCare, and local police and healthcare providers want it out of their communities."

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $2.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $171 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures. To date, more than 1,000 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

REPORT FRAUD

To report suspected TennCare fraud, call 1-800-433-3982 or log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts. Cash rewards are available following convictions.