Greene Co. Men Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Greene County man is accused of using another person’s identity in order to fraudulently obtain healthcare insurance benefits through TennCare.  The other person involved is also charged for helping him commit the crime.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Roger E. Goode of Midway and Danny George Norton of Greeneville, both 39-years old.

Both Goode and Norton were indicted by a Greene County Grand Jury and each charged with TennCare fraud.  The charges allege that the two men collaborated to help Norton pay for medical services for himself, using Goode’s personal identity information. 

Goode is charged with TennCare fraud and identity theft while Norton is charged with TennCare fraud, identity theft and theft of services.

"People who aren’t eligible for TennCare are committing a felony crime when using someone else’s identity to get taxpayers to pay for healthcare services through publicly-funded insurance,” Acting Inspector General Lawrence S. Saylor, Jr., said.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. Identity theft and theft of services are Class D felonies that carry a sentence of up to four years in prison. District Attorney General Dan E. Armstrong 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 TennCare, according to latest figures.  To date, 2,175 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."