Department of Finance & Administration
Larry B. Martin, Interim Commissioner

ROANE COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE, TN - A Trousdale County man is charged with TennCare fraud for using the program to obtain prescription drugs which he later sold.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Trousdale County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Steve L. Reece, 48, of Hartsville.

Reece is charged in an indictment with two counts of TennCare fraud for presenting prescriptions for the painkiller Hydrocodone, using TennCare to pay for the prescriptions with the intention of selling a portion of the drugs.

“The OIG is focused on working with local law enforcement throughout the state to stop TennCare fraud, especially as it relates to the illegal sales of prescription drugs,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said.

The TennCare fraud charges against Reece could result in a two year sentence per charge, if convicted.  District Attorney General Tom P. Thompson 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 1,600 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."