TennCare Fraud Fugitive Captured in Davidson County

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After being on the run for more than a year and a half, a Davidson County man is in custody and charged with TennCare fraud.  

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, today announced the arrest of Thomas William Biggs, Jr., 44, of Nashville.

Seventeen months ago, in January 2018, a Davidson County Grand Jury indicted Biggs for TennCare fraud, accusing him of using TennCare to doctor shop for drugs. Charges say he used TennCare benefits to visit multiple healthcare providers within a short time period to obtain prescriptions for Adderall, an often-abused amphetamine used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  

“Obtaining prescription drugs illegally utilizing TennCare benefits will not be tolerated,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said.  “We appreciate the collaborative efforts of the local law enforcement agencies and healthcare providers across the state working together to fight prescription drug abuse in Tennessee.”

District Attorney General Glenn R. Funk is prosecuting.  TennCare fraud is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison.

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, 3,106 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/oig/ and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”

###