Jefferson Co. Man Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

A Jefferson County man is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with the sale of prescription drugs paid for by the state’s health care insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Jefferson City Police Department, today announced the arrest of Brian McDaniel, 43, of White Pine. He is accused of obtaining the painkiller Oxymorphone and later selling a portion to an undercover informant. The prescription was obtained through Medicare Part B, which is paid for in part by TennCare.

“We are working with local police and it’s paying off with these kinds of arrests,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “Tennessee consistently ranks high among states for prescription drug use, especially pain relievers, and we’re committed to eliminating drug fraud in TennCare.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  District Attorney General James Dunn 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, 2,601 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

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.”