Hickman Co. Man Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Hickman County man is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with the sale of prescription drugs paid for by the state’s health care insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from Hickman County Sheriff’s Officers, today announced the arrest of Justin Matthew Spencer, 25, of Centerville. He is charged with TennCare fraud in an indictment accusing him of using TennCare to obtain Suboxone, a drug used to treat opiate addiction, and later selling a portion of the drug.

“We are working with local police and it’s paying off with these kinds of arrests,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “Prescription drug use is a concern across the country, but we’re committed to eliminating drug fraud in TennCare.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  District Attorney General Kim R. Helper is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,647 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or visit the website and follow prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”