Shelby Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE –  A Shelby County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for allegedly falsifying information given to the state in order to obtain healthcare insurance benefits from TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), in a joint effort with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of 31-year-old Latandras Warren-Patterson of Memphis. She’s charged with TennCare fraud, which is a class D felony and theft of property, a class C felony. She is accused of allegedly failing to report her marriage and her husband’s income as a part of her household as well as the correct employment status for herself. TennCare paid approximately $16,567 in fees and claims as a result in the case.     

“The TennCare program is designed to help those who rightfully qualify for benefits,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said.  “OIG strives to ensure that those taking advantage of Tennessee’s Medicaid program will be brought to justice.”

The case is being prosecuted by District Attorney General Amy T. Weirich of Shelby County.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated over 5,760 criminal cases leading to more than $10.8 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, 3,135 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

To access the OIG most wanted list please visit https://www.tn.gov/finance/fa-oig/fa-oig-most-wanted.html. Anyone with information about a wanted subject is urged to use the contact information on the page. 

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 or by logging on to www.tn.gov/oig/ and following the prompts that read “Report TennCare fraud.”