Dawn M. Schreckhise
A Monroe County woman is charged in separate TennCare fraud cases in two counties. Both cases involve prescription drug fraud.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), assisted by Sheriff’s officers in Monroe and McMinn Counties, today announced the arrest of Dawn M. Schreckhise, 20, of Sweetwater. She is charged in both Monroe and McMinn Counties with doctor shopping for the painkiller Hydrocodone, using TennCare as payment.
Ms. Schreckhise was first charged in Monroe County with two counts of doctor shopping; upon making bond, she turned herself in at the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office, where she was served with another two counts of doctor shopping with TennCare as payment.
“Doctor shopping and using the TennCare program as a payment method is a felony crime in Tennessee and we will pursue charges against those who do this,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “Prescription drug abuse is a problem across the nation, but we are committed to fighting this abuse in TennCare.”
TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Stephen D. Crump will be prosecuting both cases.
The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,340 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."