Wilson County Man Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN – A Wilson County man is charged with TennCare fraud for selling prescription drugs paid for by the state’s Medicaid program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Lincoln Jay Corona, 33, of Lebanon, after a joint investigation with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office.

Corona is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud in connection with once obtaining a drug for resale through TennCare benefits and for obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. The drug purchased for resale was senting a prescription for Buprenorphine, which is used to treat addiction to substances like heroin.

“Selling narcotic medications on the street is illegal and a health threat to everyone in a community,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “We intend to stop this activity in the TennCare program.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony, punishable by two to four years in prison. District Attorney General Tom P. Thompson 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, 2,050 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."