Two Davidson County Residents Charged With TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – Two Davidson County residents are each charged with TennCare fraud in separate incidents.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) along with the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department announced the arrest of Amanda G. Henderson, 27, and Eric Alexander Bradshaw, 28, both of Nashville.    

Henderson is charged with one count of TennCare fraud and one count of obtaining a Schedule III controlled substance by fraud for allegedly presenting a forged prescription for Hydrocodone to be billed through her TennCare. 

In an unrelated case, Eric Bradshaw is charged with one count of TennCare fraud, forgery, identity theft, and obtaining a Schedule III controlled substance by fraud.  Bradshaw allegedly passed a forged prescription for the painkiller Lorcet in the name of a TennCare enrollee in an attempt to use the enrollee’s TennCare benefits to pay for the forged prescription.  

"Our mission is to preserve the integrity of the TennCare program by preventing fraud and abuse of the program, especially in the area of prescription drugs," Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “Local officials have been incredibly helpful because they also want to stop prescription drug abuse in their communities.” 

If convicted Henderson and Bradshaw could each face up to two years in prison.  District Attorney General Victor S. Johnson, III will prosecute each case.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.6 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $159 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures. 

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.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."