Mississippi Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Mississippi woman is charged with TennCare fraud for falsely reporting her residence in order to obtain benefits from the state’s taxpayer-funded healthcare insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Tawny Davis, 36, of Lusby, Maryland. A Shelby County indictment charges Davis with TennCare fraud and theft of property over $10,000. The charges say she fraudulently reported her residency in order to appear eligible for TennCare, when she lived in Olive Branch, Mississippi. She’s subsequently moved to Maryland, but turned herself in to authorities at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

“It’s a simple equation: anyone who lies, cheats, or steals to get TennCare benefits is at great risk going to jail,” Inspector Manny Tyndall said.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  Theft of property over $10,000 is a Class C felony punishable by up to six years in prison.  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, more than 2,532 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 www.tn.gov/tnoig/  and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”