Loudon woman faces 13 TennCare fraud charges

Mary M. Shaffer, 54, of Greenback, has been arrested and accused of using the TennCare benefits of another member of her family in order to obtain an addictive painkiller.

The Office of Inspector General and Monroe County Sheriff's Office said Shaffer is charged with 13 counts of TennCare fraud, 14 counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, and identity theft. Reportedly, she presented forged prescriptions in the name of a family member for hydrocodone, which was paid for by TennCare.

District Attorney General Steven Bebb will prosecute the case. TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison, obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and the identity theft charge are Class D felonies, carrying a sentence of up to four years in prison per charge.

Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions. Report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982, or log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."