Overton County Man Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN – An Overton County man is charged with TennCare fraud for diverting prescription drugs that were paid for with public healthcare insurance benefits through the state’s TennCare program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Roger Bilbrey, 52, of Rickman, Tennessee, after a joint investigation with the Livingston Police Department.

Bilbrey is charged with TennCare fraud, and is accused of using TennCare benefits to obtain a prescription for Morphine while planning to sell a portion of the prescription.

“We do not tolerate TennCare fraud, especially when people are subsidizing illegal narcotics trafficking with taxpayer funds,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “This activity damages the integrity of the TennCare program, but we are committed to tracking it down and pressing charges.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General Randall 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 1,900 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."