Coffee County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

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

So far in April, 36 people have been charged with TennCare fraud by the Office of Inspector General (OIG), more than any month since the agency began in 2005.

The OIG today announced the arrest of Terri L. Shearon, 42, of Hillsboro.  The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office assisted in this arrest.

Shearon is accused in a Coffee County indictment with three counts of doctor shopping for controlled substances, using TennCare as payment.  The drugs involved were the painkillers Percocet, Lortab, and Hydrocodone.  TennCare paid for either the clinical visits or the prescriptions.

"Doctor shopping in order to perpetuate the illegal use or distribution of prescription medication is a felony when TennCare benefits are used as a payment method,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We appreciate and value the hard work of the healthcare providers across the state and their efforts in helping us develop these cases.”

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

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,355 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 Office of Inspector General and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."