Bedford Co. Man Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A Bedford County man is charged with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, or using TennCare to go to multiple providers to obtain controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Samuel L. Harris, Jr., 40, of Shelbyville.  He is charged with three counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by doctor shopping, which is using TennCare as payment for the prescriptions, office visit or both. Bedford County Police assisted in this arrest.

“Prescription drug abuse is a major target of all law enforcement agencies in Tennessee,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We are committed to ensuring TennCare benefits are not used to obtain drugs for personal abuse or resale.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Robert Carter is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,316 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."