Shelby Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Shelby County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for falsely reporting her income in order to obtain TennCare benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Kendra Huntsman, 37, of Memphis. She is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of property over $10,000. Charges accuse her of falsely reporting her income to the state in order to obtain TennCare medical assistance benefits and avoid payment for the services.

“It’s troubling that anyone with adequate resources would enroll themselves in a program meant for people who truly need healthcare benefits assistance through TennCare,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We are aggressively pursuing and prosecuting these cases across the state.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Amy P. Weirich is prosecuting.

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, 2,477 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.