Williamson Co. Woman Must Repay TennCare for Benefits

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Williamson County woman charged with TennCare fraud must repay the state for benefits received through the healthcare insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced that 36-year old Ryanne N. Cunningham of Nolensville was ordered to make restitution to TennCare in the amount of $16,775.82 after she pleaded guilty to TennCare fraud and theft of services. She also received four years judicial diversion in exchange for her plea.  

Cunningham was indicted in January of this year in connection with falsely reporting her income in order to be eligible for TennCare.

“TennCare fraud crosses all social, economic and professional lines, “Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “People committing TennCare fraud are taking something they’re not entitled to, and the chance of getting caught has increased substantially.”

District Attorney General Kim Helper prosecuted this case.

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, 2,664 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.”