Kentucky Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Kentucky woman is charged with TennCare fraud in an indictment accusing her of lying about her residency in order to obtain TennCare healthcare insurance benefits.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Amanda M. Schamp, also known as Amanda M. Harrington, 36, of Hopkinsville, Kentucky. She is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of services over $10,000 in connection with obtaining TennCare by intentionally misrepresenting that her family resided in Tennessee when they actually lived in Kentucky.
“TennCare is for Tennesseans and people who live in other states can enroll in their healthcare assistance programs,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “If anyone hears about someone crossing state lines to enroll in TennCare, we need to know about it.”
District Attorney General Glenn R. Funk is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is now a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison. Theft of services over $10,000 is a Class C felony which carries a sentence of up to 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, 2,921 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.”