Wilson Co. Man Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Wilson County man is charged with TennCare fraud for selling prescription drugs that were purchased using TennCare benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Anthony J. Austin, 52, of Lebanon. He is accused of using TennCare benefits to obtain a prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone, then selling a portion of the drugs to an undercover informant. 

“We strongly believe in the mission of the TennCare program and we are committed to protecting the integrity of the associated benefits with direct strikes on all fraud and abuse in the program,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and local providers are all working hard to help us to protect the TennCare program.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  District Attorney General Tom P. Thompson, Jr., 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, 2,452 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.