Cocke County Man Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Cocke County man has been charged with TennCare fraud for attempting to use TennCare to pay for a fraudulent prescription for a painkiller.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced that 22-year old Robert M. Busler, of Newport, has been charged with TennCare fraud for attempting to use his TennCare to pay for an altered prescription for the painkiller Lortab. He was indicted by a Cocke County Grand Jury on one count of TennCare fraud.

“Altering a legitimate prescription is another crime attempted by some in an effort to secure prescription painkillers, and give TennCare the bill,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “Alert and quick-acting pharmacies are an important link in the effort to stop TennCare fraud.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney James Dunn is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $171 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures. To date, over 1,100 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 http://tennessee.gov/tnoig/ and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."