NASHVILLE, TN – A Rutherford County man is charged with TennCare fraud for apparently selling prescription drugs paid for by the state’s Medicaid program.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Dylan J. Wade, 18, of Smyrna, after a joint investigation with the Smyrna Police Department.
Wade is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud in connection with twice obtaining prescriptions for the anti-anxiety medication Adderall, using TennCare benefits as payment while planning to sell a portion of the drugs.
“Powerful prescription drugs are making their way into the hands of people they were not meant for,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “We’re working with local officers across the state 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 per charge. District Attorney General William C. Whitesell, Jr., 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 2,000 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.”
