Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

ROANE COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A Roane County man is charged with TennCare fraud for obtaining prescription medications with TennCare benefits with the intent of selling the drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Jason R. Morlock, 33, of Harriman. Morlock was arrested on an indictment accusing him of fraudulently obtaining a prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone with the intent of selling a portion of the pills.

"The illegal trafficking of prescription drugs has been a problem in Tennessee, and we are no longer tolerating it in the TennCare program," Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. "Enrollees who participate in selling drugs paid for by TennCare - and those who buy them - should understand this is a serious crime we intend to prosecute."

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. Acting District Attorney General Russell Johnson is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.6 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $159 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.

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 http://www.tn.gov/tnoig/ and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."