KNOX COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE, TN – A Knox County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for allegedly lying to the state to obtain TennCare healthcare insurance benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the Knox County arrest. Governor Phil Bredesen created the OIG, one of the first units of its kind in the nation, in 2004. Since it became operational in February 2005, 291 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Forty-three year old Patricia Grissom, also known as Pat Graves and Pat Foust is accused in an indictment of six counts of TennCare fraud and one count of theft of services. The indictment alleges that through fraud, false pretense and other deceptions, Grissom received medical services valued at up to $60,000 that she wasn’t eligible for – because she under-reported her income to get enrolled in TennCare.

“TennCare mainly serves people who are Medicaid eligible – and people who misrepresent their income to qualify for this entitlement program are going to be caught and prosecuted,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.

If convicted, Grissom could be sentenced to up to six years on the Class C felony theft of services charge, and two years on each Class E felony TennCare fraud charge. District Attorney Randy Nichols will prosecute. Grissom was booked in the Knox County Detention Center and released after posting a $10,000.00 bond.

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.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read “Report Fraud Now.”