Former Mississippi Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Shelby County woman who previously lived in Mississippi is charged with TennCare fraud for falsely reporting her residence in order to obtain healthcare insurance benefits from the taxpayer-funded program.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Ashley Gilbert, 34, of Bartlett. She is accused of reporting to the state that she lived in Tennessee when officials say she actually resided in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Gilbert has since moved to Bartlett, Tennessee.
“The TennCare program is available to eligible Tennesseans,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “If you hear of someone coming to Tennessee and enrolling in TennCare, while residing in another state, we are ready to hear about it on our toll-free number (800-433-3982).”
District Attorney General Amy Weirich is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is now a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison per charge.
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, 2,911 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 800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or visit the website and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”