Dyer Co. Man Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Dyer County man is charged in nearby Obion County with doctor shopping for prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment for the pills.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Dyer and Obion County Sheriff’s Offices, today announced the arrest of Seth Williams, 24, of Halls. He is charged with visiting multiple healthcare providers within a short time period to obtain prescriptions for the painkiller Hydrocodone, using TennCare to pay for either the clinical visits or the prescriptions. He is charged with three counts of TennCare fraud by doctor shopping.

“Tennessee is fortunate to have the laws and the authority to pursue people who are doctor shopping for drugs, whether it’s for personal abuse or with the intent of distribution,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.

District Attorney General Thomas A. Thomas 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, 2,804 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 visit the website and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”