Hardin Co. woman charged with TennCare fraud by doctor shopping

McNAIRY COUNTY, Tenn. — A Hardin County woman is facing TennCare fraud charges in McNairy County on accusations of doctor shopping for painkillers.

Ashley Johnson

Ashley Johnson, 32, of Morris Chapel is accused of using TennCare to go to multiple doctors in a short period of time to obtain the painkillers Hydrocodone and Tramadol, according to a release from the Office of Inspector General.

She is charged with two counts of doctor shopping.

TennCare fraud is now a Class D felony, raising the maximum penalty from two to four years in prison, according to the release.

“Doctor shopping and using TennCare as payment is a big mistake, because state tax dollars are being used to pay for drugs intended for distribution or abuse,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said in the release. “We appreciate and value the hard work of the healthcare providers across the state and their efforts in helping us develop these cases.”

Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 or by visiting the Office of Inspector General website and following the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”