New Hampshire Man Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A New Hampshire man has been extradited to Middle Tennessee on three separate charges of TennCare fraud.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), in a joint effort with the Berlin, New Hampshire Police Department and the sheriff’s office in Cheatham County, Tennessee, today announced the arrest of 49-year old  Jeremy Hood of Groveton, New Hampshire. He is charged with three counts of TennCare fraud, a class D felony.  Investigators say the charges are in connection with allegedly selling pills Hood obtained using TennCare healthcare insurance benefits. Hood was also charged with three counts of manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession of methamphetamines and misdemeanor failure to appear.

“The OIG would like to recognize the efforts of the 23rd Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office and the Berlin Police Department and stress the importance of thwarting individuals from abusing the TennCare program,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “We would also like to recognize the hard work of our Intel Analyst and Special Agent who both played an intricate role in locating Mr. Hood in New Hampshire. Their work proved to be invaluable in discovering Hood’s whereabouts.”

In the indictment against Hood, investigators allege that he used TennCare benefits to pay for two separate doctor’s appointments and two subsequent trips to the pharmacy where he obtained prescriptions for Oxycodone. Hood is accused of allegedly selling a portion of the drugs on three separate occasions to a confidential informant working with the 23rd Judicial District Drug Task Force. On February 10, 2021 Hood was apprehended in Groveton, New Hampshire and in March he was extradited back to Cheatham County, Tennessee. The case is being prosecuted by District Attorney General Ray Crouch.   

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated more than 5,760 criminal cases leading to more than $10.8 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, 3,102 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 or by logging on to www.tn.gov/oig/ and following the prompts that read “Report TennCare fraud.”