Knox County Man Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Knox County man is charged with fraudulently obtaining TennCare benefits by falsely claiming a child as a dependent in order to qualify for TennCare benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Eric Scott Mikels, 47, of Knoxville. He surrendered to authorities at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. He is accused of TennCare fraud and theft of services over $10,000.

An indictment accuses Mikelys of obtaining TennCare healthcare insurance by claiming a minor child lived with him; without a dependent, he would not have been eligible for TennCare.

“People who commit TennCare fraud are taking something they’re not entitled to, and they’re taking it from taxpayers,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “People who commit fraud to get TennCare benefits place themselves at great risk of being caught.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  Theft of services over $10,000 is a Class C felony punishable by up to six years in prison.  District Attorney General Charme P. Allen is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, more than 2,542 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 go to www.tn.gov/tnoig/  and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”