Former Cumberland County Man Charged for 2nd Time with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A former Cumberland County man who had relocated to Kentucky is charged for the second time in less than a week with TennCare “doctor shopping,” or going to multiple doctors in a short period to obtain the same or similar controlled substances and using TennCare to pay for it.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with the assistance of the Cumberland and Bledsoe County Sherriff’s Offices, today announced the arrest of 52-year old Thomas R. Adcox. He was indicted by a Bledsoe County Grand Jury on two counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance – the painkiller Hydrocodone - by “doctor shopping.”  The prescriptions were paid for with TennCare benefits.

Adcox was arrested earlier this month in Lexington, Kentucky, on a Cumberland County indictment issued over two years ago.  He was accused of six counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance by “doctor shopping.”

“Prescription drug abuse is a concern of communities large and small across Tennessee,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “With the help of providers, we’re sending a message that abusing TennCare will have serious repercussions.”

J. Michael York, District Attorney General for the 12th Judical District will prosecute the Bledsoe case and Randy A. York, District Attorney General for the 13th Judicial District will prosecute the Cumberland County Case.  TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,400 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 www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."