Wilson Co. Woman Must Repay TennCare
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Wilson County woman must repay the state for healthcare benefits, after court hearings involving charges of TennCare fraud.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced a plea agreement involving Angela Douglas, 45, of Mt. Juliet. She was charged in June of 2014 in Trousdale County with TennCare fraud and theft of services. Authorities say she obtained TennCare benefits for her grandfather by failing to disclose to the state specific resource information and a recent property transfer, all in order to have the grandfather enrolled in TennCare.
Douglas received a four year judicial diversion, and was ordered to repay TennCare restitution in the amount of $25,000.
“TennCare serves people who are eligible for the program – mostly those who are poor, disabled or very ill – and we intend to pursue anyone who misrepresents themselves in order to access benefits through TennCare,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.
District Attorney General Tom P. Thompson prosecuted this case.
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.”