Macon County Woman Convicted of TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Macon County woman charged with falsely reporting her income in order to enroll in TennCare must now repay the state for healthcare insurance benefits she received during the time she was on the program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced that 38-year old Lisa A. Fuller, of Westmoreland, pleaded guilty to theft of services over $10,000. In exchange for her plea, she received five years of probation and must repay TennCare $12,190.68.

Fuller was indicted in September 2016 for TennCare fraud and felony theft of services. District Attorney General Tom P. Thompson prosecuted this case.

“Providing false information in order to receive TennCare benefits is a crime.”  Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “The OIG works diligently investigating TennCare fraud in order to preserve benefits for persons truly in need.”

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, 3,034 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.”