Arkansas Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud in Shelby County

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – An Arkansas woman is charged with TennCare fraud across the state line in Shelby County.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Lee Dowty, 48, formerly of Millington, TN. She’s accused of TennCare fraud and theft of property over $10,000.

The charges against Dowty say she moved from Tennessee to Arkansas and continued to receive TennCare benefits, failing to notify officials in Tennessee of her change in residency. 

“Prior to 2005 when the legislature approved the OIG, there were only allegations that people living in other states were actually receiving TennCare benefits,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We follow through on every lead, every tip, every case in an effort to stop this activity in TennCare – as well as prescription drug fraud and other forms of fraud against TennCare.”  

District Attorney General Amy T. Weirich will prosecute.

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, 2,758 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or visit the website and follow prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”