Warren County Man Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Warren County man is charged with TennCare fraud in Sequatchie County, for selling prescription drugs paid for by TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Jimmy D. Nolan, 35, of McMinnville, after a joint investigation with the Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Department.

Nolan is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud.  He is accused of filling prescriptions for the painkiller Percocet on two separate occasions.  Both times the prescriptions were paid for by TennCare.  He then apparently sold a portion of the pills.

“Local police are clearly committed to eliminating prescription drug abuse, as citizens have become more concerned about the impact of this crime on their communities,”  Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “For those who are trying to use TennCare to support this crime, we are pursuing these cases at every opportunity.”

The TennCare fraud charge against Nolan could result in two years per charge if convicted. District Attorney General J. Michael Taylor is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $171 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,050 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 log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."