Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

MAURY COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE – A Maury County woman is been charged with TennCare fraud in charges accusing her of selling prescription drugs paid for by TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Christina Scribner, 35, of Columbia, after a joint investigation with the Maury County Sheriff’s Office.

Scribner has been charged with two counts of TennCare fraud for using TennCare benefits on two separate occasions to obtain a prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone, while planning to unlawfully sell a portion of the prescriptions.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison years. District Attorney General Mike Bottoms is prosecuting.

 “We are working with municipal and county police officers across the state, as they often discover a TennCare element during local drug investigations,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “Local police are clearly committed to eliminating prescription drug abuse, and we’re doing our part to stop abusers who are supporting this lifestyle with TennCare.”

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, nearly 1,500 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 www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."