Shelby Co. Woman Must Repay TennCare

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Shelby County woman accused of obtaining TennCare benefits she was not eligible for must repay the state for medical and pharmacy services provided through the state’s healthcare insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced that Frances King, 38, of Memphis, pleaded guilty to TennCare fraud and theft of services over $10,000. She must repay TennCare $25,831.98 and will be on supervised probation for eight years.

King was arrested in January when she was charged with falsely reporting her income to the state in order to obtain TennCare benefits she otherwise was not eligible to receive. District Attorney General Amy T. Weirich 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.”

TennCare fraud is now a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison.

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, 2,972 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.”