WHITE COUNTY COUPLE CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE - A White County couple faces TennCare fraud charges - for being on TennCare and turning down health insurance offered through the husband's employer.

Byron Edwards, 62 and his 58-year old wife Rosie Edwards are the latest arrests by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) as they report that TennCare fraud investigations are increasing across the state.

The Edwards were arrested on a White County indictment, charging that the husband intentionally did not report he had insurance offered through his place of employment, so that he and his wife could have TennCare benefits. Having access to insurance makes both husband and wife ineligible for TennCare.

"We are making it clear that anyone who fails to report insurance benefits from an employer to get TennCare benefits is breaking the law," Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. "We are actively investigating TennCare members who are not eligible because they have healthcare insurance in the workplace all across the state."

The charge against the husband is a Class D felony, punishable by up to four years in prison. His wife is charged with a Class E felony fraud charge, punishable by up to two years in prison. Both were released on $5,000 bond each. The case is being prosecuted by District Attorney William E. Gibson.

Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to www.tennessee.gov/tenncare and follow the prompts that read "Report Fraud Now."