McMinn Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A McMinn County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for falsely reporting her income in order to obtain healthcare insurance benefits for herself and her family, even though they were not eligible for the program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office, announced the arrest of Traci B. Hamilton, 43, of Niota.

Hamilton is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of services over $10,000 in connection with falsely reporting her income to the state in order to enroll herself, her husband and minor child into the TennCare program.

“TennCare fraud crosses all social, economic and professional lines, “Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “People committing TennCare fraud are taking something they’re not entitled to, and the chance of getting caught has increased substantially.”

If convicted, Hamilton could be sentenced up to four years for the Class D felony theft of services charge and two years on the TennCare fraud which is a Class E felony.  District Attorney General Stephen D. Crump 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, 2,384 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 https://www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."