MAN INDICTED FOR TENNCARE FRAUD FINALLY NABBED

NASHVILLE –  After being on the run for the past three months, a Williamson County man charged with TennCare fraud has been arrested.

The Office of Inspector General and Metro Nashville Police today announced the arrest of 25–year-old Reginald E. Alexander.

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, 265 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.  

Alexander and a co-defendant were indicted in March by a Williamson County Grand Jury for two counts of TennCare fraud.  Alexander has since been charged additionally for failing to appear at his arraignment on the fraud charges, which accused Alexander of knowingly attempting to obtain medical assistance by false impersonation.  Charges allege that Alexander and Deangelo Holt entered an emergency room after a gang-related shooting and Holt, a TennCare enrollee, tried to pass Alexander as himself so he would get medical treatment paid for by TennCare.  In addition to one count of fraud, the two were also charged with identity theft and making a false report.

Holt, who was arrested soon after the March indictment, has pleaded guilty to five counts including TennCare fraud and is now serving a two-year sentence.

“While emergency medical care is sometimes a life-or-death situation, it’s simply not legal to present another person’s TennCare card for access to treatment – or help someone use TennCare if they’re not eligible for or enrolled in the program,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “We’re thankful for healthcare workers who are watchful for suspicious details and are helping us in waging the war against 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 www.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read “Report Fraud Now.”