Unicoi Co. Man Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Unicoi County man is charged with TennCare fraud for selling Hydrocodone paid for by TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Paul E. Bostic, 52, of Erwin.

Bostic is charged with TennCare fraud in an indictment accusing him of using TennCare to obtain the painkiller Hydrocodone, then selling a portion of the prescription to an undercover informant.

“We strongly believe in the mission of the TennCare program and we are committed to protecting the integrity of TennCare with direct strikes on all fraud and abuse in the program,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “The Unicoi County Sheriff’s Office and the local providers are all working hard to help us in completing our mission.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  District Attorney General Anthony Clark is prosecuting.

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, 2,258 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 Office of Inspector General and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."