Tipton County Woman Charged with TennCare Doctor Shopping

NASHVILLE, TN – A Tipton County woman is charged in an indictment with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, or using TennCare to go to multiple doctors to obtain controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Selena Dawn Willis, 28, of Brighton.  She’s charged with four counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by doctor shopping in cases involving the painkiller Oxycodone. The prescriptions were paid for with TennCare healthcare insurance benefits. 

“We have more tools today to detect prescription drug activity, and along with the doctor shopping law, that means it’s hard to commit this crime without getting caught,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. 

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Michael Dunavant 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 1,900 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."