Overton County Man Convicted of TennCare Fraud - for Third Time

NASHVILLE – An Overton County man has been charged and convicted of the crime of TennCare fraud - for the third time.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest and conviction of Anthony G. Robbins, 36, of Monroe for TennCare fraud. The Overton County Sheriff’s Department assisted in the arrest.  Robbins was accused of obtaining a prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone by using TennCare benefits while concealing his plan to sell a portion of the prescription. 

“We are becoming increasingly proactive in our investigations,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “The Overton County Sheriff’s Department is one of many state law enforcement agencies contributing to our aggressive effort to thwart TennCare fraud.”

Anthony Robbins was arrested in July 2006 and charged with submitting a forged prescription for the painkiller Oxycodone and using TennCare to pay for the prescription.  Both he and his wife Deborah Robbins were arrested in December 2005, when he was charged with three counts of TennCare fraud for submitting fraudulent prescriptions for the painkiller Oxycontin, which were paid for by TennCare, and his wife was charged with two counts of the same crime involving the same drug.  

“Justice was swift in this matter,” said Assistant District Attorney Owen Burnett.  Robbins was indicted for TennCare fraud on Monday and on Wednesday pleaded guilty as charged.

Robbins received a two year sentence suspended with two years probation and was ordered to pay restitution.  Robbins also agreed to give up his TennCare benefits as punishment in the case.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $171 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,050 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."