Gibson Co. Man Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Gibson County man is charged with doctor shopping for prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment for the pills.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Milan Police Department and the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Larry W. Morgan, 65, of Milan. He is charged with seven counts of doctor shopping for Hydrocodone. Authorities say Morgan visited multiple healthcare providers within a short time period to obtain the prescriptions.
“Tennessee has been ranked second nationally for the volume of painkiller prescriptions,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “These drugs are important for people with moderate to severe pain, but can be deadly when they are misused and abused. We are committed to stopping this activity in TennCare.”
District Attorney General Garry Brown is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is now a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison.
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, 2,917 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 800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or visit the website and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”