Two Mid-State Residents Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – Two mid-state residents are charged in separate cases involving TennCare fraud.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrests of Anthony Beasley, 33, of Hartsville, and Vera R. Bailey, 26, of Cleveland.

Beasley was indicted by a Trousdale County Grand Jury and charged in connection with fraudulently obtaining TennCare medical assistance benefits he was not entitled to.

In a Marion County indictment, Bailey is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud for twice letting TennCare pay for physician’s office visits even though she was not eligible for the program.  She obtained prescriptions for the painkiller Oxycodone, some of which she planned to sell.

“The message is simple message -- if you lie, cheat or steal to get TennCare benefits, you risk going to jail,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “People who commit TennCare fraud are taking something they are not entitled to and they will be stopped and arrested by law enforcement.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General Tom P. Thompson is prosecuting the Trousdale County case, and District Attorney General J. Michael Taylor will be prosecuting the Marion County Case.

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 1,600 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."