NASHVILLE — Residents of Hamilton and Warren counties were charged Monday with TennCare fraud involving prescription drugs, according to the Office of Inspector General.
Brandy N. Houston, 27, of Chattanooga, was charged with one count of TennCare fraud, one count of identity theft and one count of obtaining a drug by fraud. Ms. Houston was charged with presenting a forged prescription for the painkiller Lortab and using the name and DEA number of her physician in order to obtain the drugs.
Julie Louise Trammell, 51, of McMinnville, Tenn., was indicted on one count of TennCare fraud and two counts of delivery of a Schedule III controlled substance. Ms. Trammell is accused of using TennCare to obtain a prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone and on two separate occasions sold a portion to an undercover police informant.
TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and identity theft are Class D felonies punishable by up to four years in prison.
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.”