Davidson County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Davidson County woman is charged in Rutherford County with fraudulently obtaining TennCare benefits by falsely claiming a minor dependent in order to qualify for TennCare benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Joanne Leah Stark, 45, of Nashville. She is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud and four counts of theft of services. Charges say that for nearly a year, she falsely claimed her under-aged daughter was living with her in order to be eligible for TennCare benefits.

“People who misrepresent something about their current situation in order to qualify for TennCare are going to be caught and prosecuted,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “TennCare fraud is a felony, and a conviction could mean jail time and paying the state back for any medical services received.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  Theft of Services over $1,000 is a Class D felony punishable by two to four years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Jennings H. Jones 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, 2,487 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.