Knox Co. Man on the Run More than a Year Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After 16 months of eluding authorities, a Knox County man is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with doctor shopping for drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Alan Everett Goetsch, 66, of Knoxville. A Knox County Grand Jury indicted Goetsch in August of 2016 on two counts of fraudulently using TennCare to doctor shop for the painkillers Oxycodone and Hydrocodone. Doctor shopping involves visiting multiple physicians in a short period of time to obtain drugs, using TennCare as payment for the clinical visit, the prescription or both.

 “Taxpayers deserve to have their dollars spent for legitimate medical services,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We are working closely with local law enforcement agencies and medical providers to investigate and prosecute these types of crimes.”

 District Attorney General Charme P. Allen is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is now a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison.

 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 http://www.tn.gov/OIG and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”

 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, 2,932 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 800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or visit the website and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”