Alabama Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – An Alabama woman is charged with TennCare fraud for falsely reporting her residence in order to obtain benefits from Tennessee’s taxpayer-funded healthcare insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Crystal Price, 36, of Bridgeport, Alabama.  A Marion County indictment charges Price with TennCare fraud and theft of services over $2,500 but less than $10,000. Charges say she fraudulently reported her residency as Tennessee in order to appear eligible for TennCare, while living in Bridgeport, Alabama. 

“Providing false information in order to receive TennCare benefits is a crime,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said.  “We work hard to preserve TennCare resources for those truly in need.”

District Attorney General J. Michael Taylor is prosecuting.  TennCare fraud is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison.  Theft of property over $2,500 but less than $10,000 is a Class C felony punishable by 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, 3,105 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.”