NASHVILLE - A Knox County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for using the program to pay for a fraudulent prescription.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Laura Ezell, 24 of Knoxville. The arrest was made by the Knox County Sheriff's Office.
Ezell was indicted in Knox County on one count of TennCare fraud and one count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud for attempting to get a fraudulent prescription filled for the painkiller Hydrocodone, with TennCare paying for the pills.
"Our continuing mission is to prevent fraud and abuse of the TennCare prescription drug program," Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. "We are vigorously prosecuting anyone who abuses or attempts to abuse the program."
If convicted, Ezell could be sentenced to up to six years on the charges, which are Class E and C felonies. Knox County District Attorney Randall E. Nichols is prosecuting the case.
The OIG, an agency separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has worked cases leading to the arrest of over 450 individuals for TennCare fraud, with over $700,000 paid in restitution to TennCare, and total estimated cost avoidance in TennCare of over $75 million, according to latest figures.
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 TennCare Fraud."