Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

WHITE COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE, TN - A man in White County is charged with TennCare fraud for using the state’s public healthcare insurance program to obtain prescription drugs which he apparently later sold.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the White County Sheriff’s Office, announced the arrest of Brandon Dodson, 28, of Sparta. He was indicted on one count of TennCare fraud for allegedly using his TennCare benefits to obtain a controlled substance, and concealing that he intended to sell a portion of the drugs.

“People who purchase and then try to sell drugs, using public healthcare dollars, are at the top of our ‘most wanted’ list, and providers across the state have been eager to help us,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.

The TennCare fraud charges against Dodson could result in a two year sentence per charge, if convicted.  District Attorney General Randal A. York is prosecuting.

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 1,600 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."