White County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A White County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for falsely reporting her income and failing to disclose her marriage in order to obtain TennCare benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with the assistance of the White County Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrest of Anamaree Danielle Richardson, 34, of Sparta. Richardson is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of services over $10,000. The charges against her say she falsely reported her income and did not report her marriage to the state in order to obtain TennCare healthcare and prescription drug benefits she was not entitled to receive.

“It’s troubling when anyone takes advantage of Tennessee resources by providing false information,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “The Office of Inspector General works with other agencies and citizens to protect these resources for those truly in need.”

District Attorney General Bryant C. Dunaway is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is now a Class D felony punishable by up 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, 3,011 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 log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig/ and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”

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