Charlotte Residents Turn to California Rehab for Hope, Encounter Frustration and Possible Fraud

Charlotte Residents Seek Hope in California Rehab, Find Frustration Instead

It’s a story that’s touching the hearts of many in Charlotte – a tale of hope, disappointment, and potential fraud in the world of drug rehabilitation. Several individuals struggling with addiction in Charlotte began their quest for recovery by hopping on planes bound for the sunshine state of California, only to face unexpected challenges upon their arrival.

The Journey to California

In an effort to break away from their struggles, Tianna Evans and Ashley Hare found themselves homeless in Hickory, living out of their car. Their saving grace came in the form of a friend who told them about a life-changing opportunity over 2,000 miles away. “She asked us if we were ready and she got us plane tickets and flew us out there,” shared Evans. As Hare recalled, “It did seem too good to be true, but at the same time, I got tired of sleeping in my car each day.”

The allure of a fresh start was hard to resist. The women were provided guidance on how to sign up with Blue Cross and Blue Shield, which would cover their travel and treatment expenses. However, what awaited them in California was not what they expected.

Immediate Red Flags

Upon landing, Evans and Hare quickly spotted concerning signs about the living conditions and the treatment being offered. “We get to the house they took us to, and there was no food in the house – none,” pointed out Hare. Their shared experience in a place they described as a “flop house” left much to be desired.

As for the treatment itself? It was far from what they envisioned. “Our treatment was on a tablet, in group. You could literally log in, ‘hey this is Tianna,’ and put your tablet down,” said Evans, expressing her disillusionment.

Community of Concerned Seekers

They weren’t alone in their struggles. Lanie Sanders also made the leap to California, driven by her desire to overcome a fentanyl addiction for the sake of her young son. Unfortunately, what she found was similar disappointment. “My treatment program was also online, and I was moved in and out of five homes before being told to leave,” Sanders recounted. “The North Carolina insurance wasn’t covering treatment anymore, and basically told us we had a day to figure out what we were doing and put us in the streets.”

Authorities Take Notice

The deficiencies and concerns raised by individuals like Evans, Hare, and Sanders have caught the attention of the North Carolina Department of Insurance. The department is currently investigating these cases as potential fraud, noting that they had prior instances under scrutiny regarding similar circumstances. A spokesperson stated, “We had previous cases that were under investigation on this subject, and the outcome is pending.”

To add to the growing concern, the California Department of Insurance had previously identified and dismantled a healthcare fraud ring in 2020 that exploited vulnerable substance abuse patients, stealing millions from insurance companies. One has to wonder if these recent stories are indicative of ongoing unethical practices.

Finding Strength in Adversity

Though her journey took a disappointing turn, Evans has found a path toward stability since returning to Burke County, where she and Hare have secured jobs and maintained their sobriety. “I hated that I went out there. I would have done better just staying in my car,” Hare lamented, reflecting on their experiences in California with a sense of resolve.

Ultimately, the stories of Tianna, Ashley, and Lanie serve as a reminder of the complexities surrounding addiction recovery and the potential exploitation of those seeking help. The battle against addiction is difficult enough without facing challenges from within the systems designed to assist. As authorities dig deeper into these troubling situations, one can only hope for accountability and a better understanding of how to truly help those in need.