Wilson Co. Man Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Wilson 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 Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Jeffrey Cooper, 40, of Mt. Juliet. Cooper is charged with visiting multiple healthcare providers within a short time period to obtain prescriptions for the painkiller Hydrocodone, using TennCare to pay for the clinical visits. He is charged with one count of TennCare fraud by doctor shopping.

“Fortunately, Tennessee has taken a strong legal stand against TennCare benefits funding the opioid epidemic,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “Our agents work diligently alongside local law enforcement to protect communities from the effects of drug abuse.”

District Attorney General Tom P. Thompson, Jr., is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is now a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison.

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 log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig/ and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”