Robertson County Man Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Robertson County man is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with lying to the state about his financial situation in order to obtain TennCare benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Terry Eugene Savage, 54, of White House. He is accused of failing to report property ownership that would have rendered him ineligible for TennCare benefits.

“People who misrepresent something about their current situation in order to qualify for TennCare are going to be prosecuted,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “A conviction for TennCare fraud will result in the individual having to repay the state for any pharmacy or medical services fraudulently received.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  District Attorney General John W. Carney 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, 2,535 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

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.”