GRUNDY COUPLE CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

Nashville – A Grundy County couple was charged today with TennCare fraud for being on the state health insurance program, even though their employers offered health insurance. They’re the latest among ten people charged with TennCare fraud in the past six weeks as the state’s Office of TennCare Inspector General ramps up investigations across the state.

Tommy and Sheila Christian of Palmer in Grundy County were arrested today on indictments for defrauding the state of over $10,000 in TennCare benefits. The three-count indictment charges that Tommy Christian obtained TennCare insurance for both himself and his family by intentionally not reporting access to insurance which would have made him ineligible for TennCare. The value of the TennCare benefits unlawfully obtained are more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) but less than sixty thousand dollars ($60,000).

Sheila Christian was charged separately with fraudulently obtaining TennCare by concealing the fact that she had health insurance through her employer which would have disqualified her and her family from TennCare. Another charge against the wife accuses her of felony theft of services of more than one thousand dollars from TennCare.

“We will prosecute both husband and wife when an investigation points to both individuals, no matter who completes the TennCare application,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “About 44-percent of Grundy County residents are on TennCare and we intend to make sure that everyone on the program is eligible for TennCare.”

The charge against Tommy Christian is a Class C felony, punishable by up to six years in prison. The charges against his wife are both Class E felonies, punishable by up to two years on each count. The Christians surrendered today to the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office. Bond was set at $ 5,000 each. Grundy County District Attorney Michael Taylor is prosecuting.