Lawrence Co. Man Charged 2nd Time with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Lawrence County man is charged for the second time with TennCare fraud involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Timothy M. Adkins, 26, of Lawrenceburg. An indictment accuses him of altering a legitimate prescription by adding the painkiller Percocet to the prescription and attempting to use TennCare benefits as payment.  

He was first arrested in September and charged in Maury County with TennCare fraud for similar activity, altering a legitimate prescription by adding the Percocet to the prescription and attempting to use TennCare benefits as payment.

“We are working with local police and providers to help us get this kind of activity out of the TennCare program,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We’re committed to eliminating the incidents of people fraudulently obtaining drugs and letting TennCare pick up the tab.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Brent Cooper will be prosecuting the case.

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, 2,478 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 https://www.tn.gov/tnoig.