Wilson Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

A Wilson County woman is charged in Nashville with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, which involves going to multiple doctors in a short period of time to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances, and using TennCare as payment.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Shawn L. Lillard, 44, of Lebanon. She is charged with five counts of doctor shopping.  

"The support we have received from doctors across the state has been overwhelming in helping us crack down on doctor shopping," Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “Before this law was passed, providers really had no way of seeing that people committing this crime are brought to justice."

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  District Attorney General Glenn R. Funk will be prosecuting this case.

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, 2,369 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 go to the Office of Inspector General website and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."