Davidson County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Davidson County woman is charged in nearby Rutherford County for falsely reporting her income in order to appear eligible for TennCare healthcare insurance benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Erica Trinette Batten, 35, of Nashville. She is charged in a Rutherford County indictment with TennCare fraud and theft of services over $10,000. The charges say she failed to disclose her family’s employment income in order to obtain TennCare benefits.

“This is a common scheme used by people who want to make themselves appear to be eligible for services while taxpayers are paying for their medical services,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We have uncovered various schemes that people are using to defraud the TennCare program, but bringing these folks to justice sends a message that we’re going to prosecute these cases.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison and theft of services over $10,000 is a Class C felony punishable by up to six years in prison.  District Attorney General Jennings H. Jones is prosecuting.A Hamilton County man is charged a second time with TennCare fraud in a case involving prescription drugs.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,473 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 go to https://www.tn.gov/tnoig.