Sumner Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Sumner County woman is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of services in connection with receiving healthcare insurance benefits through TennCare, even though she was not eligible.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Anita Darlene Gann, 37, of Portland. She is charged with three counts of TennCare fraud and two counts of theft of services. The Portland Police Department assisted in Gann’s arrest.

The charges against Gann say she claimed her children lived with her in order to receive TennCare benefits. One of the theft charges is a Class B felony, over $60,000. The other is a Class C felony, over $10,000.  

“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, paying the state back for any medical services received, and many times losing TennCare benefits for a period of time, even for those who qualify.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. The Class B felony theft charge carries a sentence of up to 12 years in prison and the Class C felony punishable by three to six years in prison. District Attorney General Lawrence R. Whitley is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,360 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 log on to Office of Inspector General and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."