Hancock County Man Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Hancock County man is charged in Washington County with TennCare fraud for using the program to obtain prescription drugs, which he later sold.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Jason K. Shockley, 34, of Sneedville.  He was being held in the Hancock County Jail on related charges when he was transported to Washington County and served with the indictment.  He will remain in the Washington County Jail until his arraignment in September.

Shockley was indicted on one count of TennCare fraud for presenting a prescription for Suboxone, a drug used to help people wean from morphine and heroin, using TennCare to pay for the prescription, concealing that he intended to sell a portion of the drugs.

“Communities across the state are pushing back against the illegal sale of prescription drugs, especially when public dollars are involved,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “We are intent on stopping this activity in TennCare.”

The TennCare fraud charge against Shockley could result in a two year sentence if convicted. District Attorney General Anthony Clark is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,700 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."