Brian Keith Tucker
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced the arrest of Brian Keith Tucker, 39, of Shelbyville.
Tucker, is charged in Bedford County with three counts of doctor shopping. The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest.
“The fraudulent misuse of TennCare benefits is a serious issue but Tennessee is out front in cracking down on these types of crimes,” Acting Inspector General Lawrence S. Saylor, Jr., said. “Health care providers and their employees have become very good at spotting these cases and they’re as committed as we are to winning the war against TennCare fraud.”
TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Robert Carter will be prosecuting the Bedford 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 TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,171 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.”
