Franklin Co. Man Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Franklin County man is charged in Coffee County with TennCare fraud for selling prescription drugs paid for by TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), assisted by Manchester police and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Alfred Dean Hill, 54, of Decherd. 

Hill was indicted on charges that he fraudulently obtained TennCare healthcare insurance benefits by going to a TennCare provider and obtaining prescriptions for the painkillers Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, while planning to sell at least part of the prescription. Hill was charged with two counts of TennCare fraud.  

“Communities across the state have been concerned about prescription drug abuse, and the lives that are touched by dependence on pills,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “We are intent on keeping tax dollars from paying for these drugs by making sure we look for and pursue this activity in TennCare.”

The TennCare fraud charge against Hill could result in a two year sentence, if convicted. District Attorney General C. Michael Layne 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."