Knox Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Knox County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with intentionally under-reporting her income in order to appear eligible for the state healthcare insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Brandi L. Dosdall, of Knoxville. She is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of services over $10,000.

An indictment accuses Dosdall of obtaining TennCare benefits by fraudulently failing to disclose her income to the state, which would have made her ineligible for TennCare benefits.

“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 is a felony, and a conviction could mean jail time and paying the state back for any medical services received.”

District Attorney General Charme P. Allen is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is now a Class D felony, raising the maximum penalty from two to four years in prison.

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, 2,694 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or visit the website and follow prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”