Mississippi Woman Charged with Committing Fraud to Enroll in TennCare

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Mississippi woman is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of property after receiving healthcare insurance benefits through the state program, even though she was not eligible.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force, today announced the arrest of Lytoniona Anthony (Lee), 42, of Southaven, Mississippi. She was indicted on two counts of TennCare fraud and two counts of theft of property, one being for theft over $10,000.

The indictment accuses Anthony of obtaining services through TennCare by intentionally stating that her family resided in Tennessee, when they actually lived in Southaven, Mississippi.

“When people cross state lines to enroll in TennCare, they are taking services away from Tennesseans who may need healthcare insurance,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “If anyone hears about someone crossing state lines to enroll in TennCare, we need to know about it.”

Theft of property over $10,000 is a Class C felony that carries a maximum of six years in prison, TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Amy T. Weirich 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 2,562 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.”