UNICOI WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE, TN - A Unicoi County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for "hiding" a family member's assets so the state would pay for the member's nursing home care.

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG), an agency separate from TennCare, today announced the arrest of Juanita Adams Claxton, 58, of Chuckey. She was named in a three-count indictment charging that she concealed assets that would have prevented her mother from being eligible for TennCare. Claxton provided asset information to the local Human Services office. The fraud charge includes over $10,000 in medical benefits illegally obtained through TennCare.

While the Medicaid portion of TennCare provides medical assistance to low-income people who need long-term care, those who apply must disclose assets or certain transfers of assets for three years prior to applying for Medicaid.

"TennCare provides specialized care for low-income people who are truly eligible and need assistance - people who don't have many assets," Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. "Many people want to preserve their assets for children or other beneficiaries, but federal law prohibits what is known as 'pauperizing' a person so the state and federal government pay for expensive long-term care."

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."