Mississippi Woman Charged With TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Mississippi woman is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of property after she received healthcare insurance benefits through the state’s healthcare insurance program, even though she was not eligible.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Nakesha Jones, 38, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.  She is charged with three counts of TennCare fraud and theft of property over $10,000 but less than $60,000.

A Shelby County Grand Jury charged Jones with obtaining healthcare insurance benefits through TennCare, even though she wasn’t eligible, by intentionally misrepresenting that her family resided in Tennessee when they actually lived in Mississippi.

“We intend to prosecute anyone, regardless of where they live, if they lie to get TennCare benefits they are not entitled to receive,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “People who cross the state line to gain benefits available to Tennesseans are stealing taxpayer dollars.”

Theft of property over $10,000 is a Class C felony that carries a maximum of six years in prison.  TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Amy T. 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, 2,449 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.