Two in West Tennessee Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two people in West Tennessee are charged with TennCare fraud involving prescription drugs, including a man charged with the crime for the third time.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrests in Obion and Dyer Counties. 

In Dyer County, 54-year old James Moser of Dyersburg is charged a third time for “doctor shopping,” or going to multiple doctors in a short time period to obtain the same or similar controlled substances. He is charged with TennCare fraud and obtaining a controlled substance by doctor shopping for prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment.  The Dyersburg Police Department assisted in Moser’s arrest.

Moser was arrested in Lauderdale and Dyer Counties in December 2014 for doctor shopping.

In Obion County, Brittney Turnbow, 23, of Union City, is charged with four counts of doctor shopping, which is using TennCare to go to multiple healthcare providers in a short time period to obtain controlled substances.  The Obion County Sheriff’s Department assisted with her arrest.  District Attorney General Thomas A. Thomas is prosecuting.

“Crossing into another county to try to get prescription drugs does not prevent a person from being prosecuted for trying to stock up on controlled substances.” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We appreciate and value the hard work of the physicians and local police across the state and their efforts in helping us develop these cases.”

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 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, 2,286 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 log on to Office of Inspector General and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."