Two Women in Tipton Co. Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Twin sisters in Tipton County are charged in separate cases with TennCare fraud and theft of services from the state’s healthcare insurance program. 

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from Tipton County Sheriff’s Officers, today announced the arrest of Holly Noelle Goodbar, 38, of Burlison and Heather Conwill Faucher, 38, of Humboldt. They’re each charged separately with TennCare fraud and two counts each of theft of services over $10,000.

Authorities say both women obtained TennCare healthcare insurance by claiming a minor child lived with them. Because of TennCare eligibility rules, neither would be eligible for TennCare without claiming a dependent.

This is Goodbar’s second arrest for TennCare fraud. She was sentenced to four years in prison in July 2005 after pleading guilty in Tipton County to charges related to using TennCare to pay for a forged prescription. She received probation for the sentence.

“People who misrepresent something about their current situation in order to qualify for TennCare are going to be caught and prosecuted,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “TennCare fraud is a felony, and a conviction could mean jail time, paying the state back for any medical services received and at times losing TennCare benefits altogether.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  Theft of services over $10,000 is a Class C felony punishable by up to six years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Michael Dunavant is prosecuting.

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, more than 2,563 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.”