Jefferson County Man Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Jefferson County man is charged with TennCare fraud for using the program to obtain prescription drugs which he later sold. The arrest brings the total number of people charged with TennCare fraud to 2,200, since the Office of Inspector General (OIG) began investigating and pursuing this criminal activity.

Brian Edward Workman, 49, of Strawberry Plains, is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with delivering a portion of the painkiller Opana, a brand of the drug Oxymorphone, which was obtained through TennCare benefits.  Opana is a morphine-like opioid used for the management of moderate to severe pain.

"The Office of Inspector General is sending a strong message to anyone who is attempting to defraud the TennCare program - TennCare fraud is a crime and you will be prosecuted for it," Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.

Illegally obtaining TennCare medical benefits is a Class E felony that carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison. District Attorney General James Dunn will prosecute.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $5 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $176 million for TennCare, according to latest figures.  To date, 2,200 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."

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