CUMBERLAND COUNTY WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO TENNCARE FRAUD, MUST PAY $11,000 RESTITUTION

NASHVILLE – A Cumberland County woman has agreed to pay the state $11,000 for TennCare medical services she received after fraudulently enrolling in the program.
 
Hallie Jones, 67 of Crossville, was convicted of fraudulently obtaining TennCare by concealing assets that would have made her ineligible for the program.  Jones entered a “best interest” guilty plea to a one-count indictment for felony theft of services.   Agents say Jones fraudulently obtained TennCare benefits over a number of years, concealing ownership of assets that would have rendered her ineligible for TennCare.  Federal regulations require Medicaid applicants to disclose assets or transfers of assets made for less than fair market value for three years prior to application.   

Jones was sentenced to three years, suspended and placed on probation on the condition that she pays restitution in a lump sum payment of $11,113.03 to TennCare along with a $1,000.00 fine and court costs. 

District Attorney Bill Gibson prosecuted the case with the assistance of the Office of Inspector General. 

“People we’ve charged with TennCare fraud come from all walks of life,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “Our office is uncovering various schemes that people are using to defraud the TennCare program and we hope the individuals stealing from the program are getting the message that we are finding them.”