Cumberland County Man Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Cumberland County man is charged with TennCare fraud for trying to access the program when he wasn’t eligible for the public healthcare insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Daryl Bradley Vaughn, 34, of Crossville.

A Cumberland County indictment accuses him of one count of TennCare fraud for attempting to fraudulently obtain medical assistance benefits through TennCare, even though he wasn’t eligible for TennCare.

"TennCare is a safety net for people who are poor or very sick, including many Tennessee children, and we can’t allow people who aren’t eligible to figure out ways of getting TennCare benefits,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “Knowingly giving bad information to get enrolled in TennCare is simply a crime, and we are aggressively pursuing these cases.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General Randy 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 1,380 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."