Dekalb County Man Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE - A Dekalb County man has been indicted for TennCare fraud involving “doctor shopping,” or using TennCare to pay for multiple doctor visits in a short time period with the intent of obtaining prescriptions for controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Kenneth Hendrixson, 70, of Smithville.

Hendrixson is charged with five counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by “doctor shopping,” by failing to disclose to his doctor that he had seen other physicians within a 30-day period and received prescriptions for the painkiller hydrocodone, which was paid for in part by TennCare.  

TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison. District Attorney General Randy York is prosecuting. 

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.6 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $165 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 920 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.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."