Mississippi Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Mississippi woman is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of property after authorities say she received healthcare insurance through the state even though she was not eligible.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the U.S. Marshall’s Gulf Coast Fugitive Task Force and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Amanda Carroll, 39, of Horn Lake, Mississippi. She is charged with three counts of TennCare fraud and one count of theft of property over $10,000.
A Shelby County Grand Jury charges she intentionally misrepresented that her family lived in Tennessee when their residence was actually in Mississippi.
“Every state Medicaid program is different and is financed in part by the residents of each state, with the intention of providing for citizens of the state who truly are in need and eligible,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “But lying about your residency to gain access to free healthcare benefits in another state is a crime we are here to pursue.”
District Attorney General Amy Weirich is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is now a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison per charge. Theft of property over $10,000 is a Class C felony that carries a maximum sentence of six 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, 2,912 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 800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or visit the website and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”