Oklahoma Woman Must Repay State in TennCare Fraud Case

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – An Oklahoma woman charged this summer with TennCare fraud has been ordered to repay the state in connection with enrolling her uncle in the state’s healthcare insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced a plea agreement involving Martha Wofford, 60, of Ponca, Oklahoma. She received one year of judicial diversion and must repay TennCare $37,711.64.

Woffard was charged in July in Lake County with TennCare fraud and theft of services. The charges were in connection with obtaining TennCare benefits for her uncle by transferring property out of his name and failing to report resources. She had power of attorney for her uncle at the time. Had she reported the property transfer and accurate resources, her uncle would not have been eligible for the program.  

“It’s a well-known tactic to make an elderly person appear poor so taxpayers will pick up the cost of their healthcare while offspring can profit on land, money or other resources,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “This can lead to charges and having to make restitution to the state, which offers these benefits for people who truly lack resources.”

District Attorney General Phillip Bivens prosecuted this case.

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, 2,491 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.