Four people in Macon County have been charged with TennCare fraud involving prescription drugs. The Office of Inspector announced the arrests last Wednesday, Nov. 4.

The arrests were a joint effort with the 15th Judicial Drug Task Force, Macon County Sheriff’s Office and Red Boiling Springs Police Department.

“The OIG was formed because Tennesseans were tired of this activity going unchecked in a program as important as TennCare,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “We’re one of the few units of this kind in the nation, and it brings a high level of integrity to our public health program.”

Arrested were Tonya Anderson, 38, of Red Boiling Springs, Amanda Bush, 29, of Red Boiling Springs, Rebecca A. King, 41, of Red Boiling Springs, and Terry W. Pryor, 47, of Lafayette.

Anderson was charged with one count of TennCare fraud for an office visit at a healthcare facility, paid for in part by TennCare. During the office visit, she obtained a prescription for Codeine, with the intent of selling a portion of the prescription.

Bush was charged with one count of TennCare fraud for obtaining a prescription for Codeine during a doctor’s visit paid for by TennCare, and using TennCare to fill the prescription with the intent of selling a portion of the drugs.

King was charged with three counts of TennCare fraud. On three separate occasions, King obtained a prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone, letting TennCare pay for the office visit and the prescription, while intending to sell a portion of the drugs.

Pryor was charged with one count of TennCare fraud for obtaining a prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone, using TennCare to pay for the provider’s visit, concealing the fact he planned to sell a portion of the prescription.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison. District Attorney General Tom P. Thompson is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $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, over 1,050 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.”