Dyer County Man Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Dyer County is charged with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, or using TennCare to go to multiple providers in a short time period to obtain controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Williams Littles, 55, of Dyersburg. He is charged with four counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by doctor shopping for the painkillers Hydrocodone and Oxycodone, using TennCare as payment.

“We are enthused with the response we’ve received from physicians across the state in support of cracking down on people who try to doctor shop, “Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “Before the doctor shopping law physicians’ hands were tied and now they’re calling us, often as soon as the patient leaves the office.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Phillip Bivens is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, more than 2,537 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 go to www.tn.gov/tnoig/  and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”