Hamilton Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Hamilton County woman is charged with fraudulently obtaining TennCare benefits by not telling the truth on documents that qualified her for the state’s healthcare insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Tami P. Brouillard, 56, of Chattanooga. She is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of services over $10,000. An indictment accuses her of claiming her minor children lived in her household, although they did not, which made her eligible for TennCare.

“People who commit TennCare fraud are taking something they’re not entitled to, and they’re taking it from all the taxpayers of Tennessee,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “When you lie, cheat, or steal to obtain TennCare benefits, you will get caught.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  District Attorney General Neal Pinkston 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, 2,658 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.”