Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

WILLIAMSON COUNTY WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE – A Williamson County woman has pleaded guilty to TennCare fraud and theft of services for presenting false information in order to access health insurance benefits through TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the plea and sentencing of 37-year-old Dawn B. Springer, of Fairview.  She was arrested by the OIG in October of last year, when she was accused of intentionally misrepresenting herself to gain TennCare benefits.  At the time of Springer’s arrest she was housed at the Women’s Prison in Nashville, where she was serving time for a conviction not related to the TennCare fraud charges.

Springer pleaded guilty to TennCare fraud and theft of services over $500.  Springer received one and a half years in prison and was ordered to pay restitution to TennCare in the amount of $11,011.06.

“The tip that led to this arrest and conviction came to us through our hotline, which allows the public to report suspected TennCare fraud,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  District Attorney General Kim R. Helper prosecuted this case.

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 1,300 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 www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."