DAVIDSON CO. COUPLE CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE - A Davidson County couple is charged with TennCare fraud in Lawrence County.

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of David Greer, 53, and his wife Donna Greer, 49, both of Old Hickory. They were indicted by the Lawrence County grand jury.

Governor Phil Bredesen created the OIG, one of the first units of its kind in the nation, in 2004. Since it became operational in February 2005, 269 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

The Greers are charged in separate two-count indictments with felony theft of services for obtaining TennCare medical services by intentionally not reporting that the wife had access to insurance through her employer. They're also charged with TennCare fraud. The Greers enrolled in TennCare during a period prior to current reforms, when non-Medicaid adults could also purchase insurance through TennCare. Together, they obtained TennCare medical benefits totaling nearly $20,000.

"While adults can no longer enroll in TennCare if they aren't eligible for the federal Medicaid program, we continue to look for and prosecute people who lied to get on TennCare and use the program to pay their medical bills," Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.

The theft charges against the Greers are Class D felonies, punishable by up to four years in prison. The TennCare fraud charges are Class E felonies, punishable by up to two years in prison. Lawrence County District Attorney Mike Bottoms is prosecuting.

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 www.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read "Report Fraud Now."